How to win the war with stress

YOU know you’re stressed when doing 10 years in Casuarina for the accidental death of that certain colleague, who never puts paper in the fax or the printer or the photocopier when they run out, starts to seem reasonable.

Whether it’s the annoying and inconsiderate work-mate, the impossible-to-please boss, or the supervisor who never issues clear instructions - we all know how it feels to be pushed too far in the corporate world.

Even everyday events like deadlines and interruptions can drive you crazy.

It is also important to recognise other signals your body may be giving you that it’s stressed, like headaches, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension and insomnia.

While there may be very little you can do about selfish co-workers with paper-phobias, there are methods to reduce recognise personal stress, before you have a heart attack or murder someone.

To this end, here are 10 simple tips you can employ each day to help you reduce stress.

1. Get up half an hour early and go for a brisk walk. This will kick start your metabolism and help you to feel alive for the day.

2. Eat a healthy and substantial breakfast to “fuel your system”.

3. Set realistic goals each day and visualise successful outcomes.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

5. At work take a short break every hour and stretch you shoulders, neck and back..

6. If something, or someone does annoy you, take a deep breath, grip your fists, breath out and relax.

7. As soon as you get home from work, change out of your work clothes, take a shower and do something non-work orientated, such as going for a walk.

8. Turn off the TV 30 minutes before bed – it can over stimulate you and lead to insomnia.

9. Laugh with good friends.

10. Drink lots of water, and a maximum of three coffees a day.