Feeling Frazzled? Think Positive!

Bizland Journalist


It is easy to go off the deep end and lose perspective when you are feeling stressed. Small problems can turn into crises of note, which of course adds to your stress, making problems appear even bigger, and so the vicious cycle continues.

Dealing with stress starts with your attitude. A positive outlook will help lower stress levels, and you will worry less and feel healthier. A positive attitude will also improve your performance and your relationships with people around you. It is important to maintain this attitude even when you make mistakes - think of them as an opportunity to learn, something with a positive aspect.

Keep daunting problems in perspective by asking yourself the following questions:

* Is this really a problem at all?
Look at the problem from another angle, and see it as an opportunity rather than a set-back. If you solve a problem that most people might have backed off from, you will come away from it with a feeling of pride. Even if you don't solve it, you would at least have learnt something for the future.
* Have other people had to deal with similar problems?
Talk to other people, and find out how they dealt with it. After all, a problem shared, can indeed be a problem halved - it never hurts to get ideas from others who have experienced the same problem. Talking to an senior, more experienced colleague will also help to put the problem in perspective, as they may have dealt with similar situations and therefore have practical ideas to help you along.
* Can the problem be broken down into bite-sized pieces?
If possible, break your problem down into manageable tasks, and tackle these one at a time, until the problem as been solved, or at least lessened.
* Can multiple problems be prioritised?
List all the problems and put them in order in a "to do" list. Tackle the most important problems first, and those left behind will seem easier to manage.
* Will the consequences be serious in the long term?
Consider the problem objectively and how it will affect future development. Will you be able to amend consequences in the future? Looking at it from this alternative angle will help you keep the problem in perspective, helping you to deal with it with a clear head, knowing that you can only do your best.

Remember, with a positive attitude, you will be able to conquer anything, no matter how daunting it may seem at the time!

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