By Dr. Gaby Cora

We are constantly worrying these days. Counting the domino effect of the state of our economy, the increasing financial instability, natural catastrophes, and the back-to-school craze, stress in the workplace has reached epidemic numbers. People worry about losing their homes or paying for their groceries, they are concerned about giving their kids the education they didn’t have, but they also fear whether their business is still afloat or if they still have a job. Corporate warriors and business owners are equally stressed because they face increasing competition and the unpredictability of our overall financial situation.

What can we do to effectively manage our stress in challenging times?

1. Stress can be motivating and inspiring, but too much stress will affect your ability to bounce back after experiencing tough situations. Keep things in perspective and concentrate on your here and now to resolve your immediate challenges.
2. Avoid being around people who are constantly complaining about how bad everything is. Focus to keep a positive outlook about the future realizing the rough times will pass. Follow your plan if you have one and create one if you don’t have a plan. It is never late to get started.
3. Many executives and business owners are so busy these days they don’t realize burnout is around the corner. Many people wait to see a doctor when they are already experiencing heartburn, chest pain, or panic attacks. Make health a priority. You will be well-prepared to face challenging times if you are in good shape physically, emotionally, and intellectually. This is the secret to long-term success as we face challenging times.
4. Stay healthy by following a routine exercise plan, eating healthy, getting the proper amount of sleep, and relaxing. Once you have mastered these lifestyle strategies then plan the best of your business strategies, prioritizing your work needs, successfully resolving challenges as they come. Although challenging times are a common cause for distress, they are an excellent opportunity for change. Create a plan to resolve the difficulty and look for untapped opportunities.

Food for Thought: What are your healthy tips to deal with stress? What do you find to be most challenging when creating a plan? Have you made health a priority?