REDUCE CHURN CUT WORKPLACE STRESS

Managing stress is a skill which like many skills cannot be learned overnight. These skills involve learning :

• short-term, 'first aid' strategies which bring temporary relief
• long-term strategies which stop stress occurring at all

First Aid techniques.

Conflict and aggression at work creates stress. Here are some positive actions to help you change the situation:

• Use self talk - "I won't get angry", "It's not worth it"
• Think how much worse the situation could be
• Ignore negative thoughts
• Think about known facts only
• Be objective
• Avoid reading things into the situation
• Stay rational and calm
• Breathe slowly and deeply
• Relax any tensed muscles. Don't slouch - stand or sit tall
• If you can, leave the scene. Go outside, take some fresh air
• Find someone to talk to
• Use relaxation techniques
• Smile but don't appear to mock an aggressor

Long Term Strategies involve:

• a balanced life
• a combination of skills
• mental
• physical
• organisational
• behavioural