Stress is everywhere today - and you need to plan to reduce it. You can find out heaps of stuff at SkillPath's website and they run great Stress Reduction seminars. Here is an article fom a recent newsletter on how to handle stress better.

Yes, it's one of those days. The knock on your door is your supervisor, who enters and whispers loudly, "I need to see you as soon as you get off the phone." You acknowledge him by nodding your head. At this moment you are:

(1) Looking at your "to-do" list
(2) Talking on the phone
(3) Listening to the person on the phone
(4) Opening your mail
(5) Acknowledging your supervisor

But what are you actually accomplishing? NOTHING. Because you are trying to do five things at once. It isn't possible. The key is concentration. Instead of thinking about the different needs and wants you have, stay focused and do one thing at a time. Devote your full attention to one task and bring it to closure or to a convenient stopping point before you start working on something else.

What are some other ways you can deal with stress and avoid burn-out? Start by determining what it is that causes your stress. If you can identify your stressors, you can begin to change your behaviour:

• Perfectionism causes stress. Do your best, but accept that you'll never be perfect.


• Develop a support group that you can talk to when the going gets tough


• Eat good food, get plenty of sleep, exercise and do some deep breathing


• Make it a point to avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine


• Go off for time alone or spend time enjoying a hobby. It's a great way to take your mind off the everyday pressures we all face.

Remember that you always have options that will ease your stress levels. When people feel that they have no options, they burn out. They lose hope and give up. Don't let that happen to you.