STRESS - GOOD OR BAD?
Time management is about making best use of our resources of time, talents and energy.  Although we tend to think of stress as bad for us, to certain extent it can be helpful in raising our level of  and creating a feeling of stimulation and alertness.  So , if you are feeling bored or lethargic, challenge yourself to fit more into your day.  List the things you would like to do and plan them into your diary to make them happen.

It is more likely, though, that you are feeling under too much pressure.  For all of us there comes apoint at which stress, instead of being positive, has a negative effect on our performance.  For example, we may:

  - lose concentration                 - make mistakes and poor judgements
  - become indecisive                 - lack energy
  - snap at others

The effects of prolonged stress on our health have been well publicised.  Painful problems, such as hypertension, ulcers and backache, may force us to take time off from the things we want to do and need to do.  Consequently we achieve less in life.

Thus an important part of any time management strategy is to develop techniques to manage stress in order to perform at your best.  This may have significant implications for how you invest your time henceforth.  For instance, you may choose to spend more time planning so less fire - fighting.

The first stage to managing your stress is to regonise what you find stressful and when you are becoming over-stressed  - to listen to the warning signs that your body gives.  Only then can you do something to minimise, or eliminate, the causes of distress and harness your stress to make it work for you.

Exercise

In the box below identify your stessors - the things, situations or people which you know affect you negatively.

Add to this list over the next few weeks.

MY STRESSORS

My body/environment                 My workstyle                          My colleagues
        Heat                                     Forgetfulness                          Power struggles
        Cold                                    Disorganisation                          Interruptions
       Traffic                                   Fire-Fighting                          Lack of support
    Own illness                              Lack of control                           Individuals


   My workplace                               My job                                   My home
    Lack of space                          Travelling time                             Life - style
         Noise                             Poor communication                           Money
   Poor equipment                             Deadlines                                    Health
      Clutter/mess                        Education/training                              Family