Power Up Your Mind: Learn faster, work smarter

 Irritability


 Aggressiveness


 Overdefensiveness


 Indecisiveness


 Poor concentration


 Lack of self-confidence


 Prolonged tiredness


 Tension in muscles, especially the neck, shoulders, and back


 Headaches


 Indigestion


 Insomnia


 Constipation


 Sweating profusely

This is a frightening list. But, don’t worry: it might not be stress

that is causing them, but something like going to bed too late, alco-

hol, or the many other things we are all attracted by!

So, in a stressful situation, we either run or fight, literally or

metaphorically. Sometimes we are caught in between, frozen into

helplessness, without the ability to think constructively about the

best course of action. As American business thinker Michael

Hammer puts it: “It’s exhilarating to be stretched to your limit, but

after a while you need a break before you break.”

What are the most stressful things going on for you at the moment?

Do you recognize any of these symptoms in your life? Start to think about what is causing

these symptoms.

Think about what is going on for you at work, about your workload, about those who work

closely with you, about your sense of being valued, about your ability to manage your time.

Think about new developments that are worrying you.

Think about how you communicate with others and they with you.

Think about the resources at your disposal.

What about your life outside work, in the community, at home?

Is your overall financial situation causing you to worry?

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