Managing Stress

Time Management as Stress Management

Many people are stressed; primarily for two related reasons.

1. They are facing a sustained, heavy demand on their time, energy and effort.
2. And that sustained demand then triggers a negative emotional response in their mind and body.

Stress is therefore composed of two major factors.

1. The objective facts: a sustained high demand.
2. The subjective feelings: the negative emotional responses to the sustained high demand.

Stress is often the name we give to both sets combined.

Stress may be seen as the negative emotional response, to the sustained high-pressure work load, that you are experiencing.

We believe that a good time management and personal effectiveness course can act as a stress management course, because it tackles both causes.

1. The first part of the course covers time management. Management of work load and time pressures. Prioritise, organise, delegate and thus reduce the perceived load.

2. The second part of the course covers management of mind and body, in order to create and sustain the OPTIMUM emotional responses, that are appropriate to the circumstances that face you.

The two elements of the course mean you tackle stress on two levels:

1. On the level of managing the objective facts, the external stressors (imposed demands).
2. And you tackle stress on the emotional level of subjective feelings: the internal reactions to the imposed demands.

Time Management

The first part of the training covers:

1. Each person is a limited resource, facing an unlimited demand.
2. As a limited resource, facing an unlimited demand, it is essential that you manage the work load.
3. That means prioritising tasks, according to the value of the task and the deadline pressure of the task.
4. Do tasks in the correct order.
5. Don't attempt to do everything at the same time. (DON'T multi-task).
6. "Multi-tasking" is the same thing as "Failing to concentrate on the task at hand".
7. Instead of multi-tasking, line up your tasks into the proper order and then, knock them off one at a time, by giving each one your concentrated mind power.
8. Delegate as much lower value work as is possible, for the right reasons only, using SMART targets.
9. Strive to add the most value, in the minimum time and effort.
10. Interrupt the interrupter, by asking them for their essential message.
11. Don't waste time on things that don't matter.
12. Don't waste time worrying over things that you have no power to change.
13. Focus always on the "CAN-DO" portion of the job.

Management of Mind and Body

The second part of the training is as follows:

1. Each person responds to the thoughts that they have in their minds.
2. Positive thoughts, create positive emotions.
3. Thoughts of a painful future, produce feelings of worry, fear, or anxiousness.
4. Thoughts of a painful past, produce anger, upset and bad feelings.
5. Thoughts of goal focus and logical action, produce optimism, energy, confidence and motivation.
6. It is important to monitor and control the content of your mind and conversation, and direct them away from thoughts about a painful future, or bad past, and redirect them towards, goals, plans and progressive actions.
7. The mind and body are one integrated system; and therefore it is important to have good health habits.
8. Good health habits include, nutrition, sleep and exercise.
9. Bad health habits include, alcohol, junk food and drugs.
10. People who are stressed often (erroneously) turn to more alcohol, junk foods, and drugs as a relief.
11. The intelligent response to stress is to rely on better quality sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
12. Mind and body must be properly nurtured and your health held in high regard.
13. The common forms of neglect or misuse of the mind and body, are all MALADAPTIVE stress responses. You should recognise them as such and avoid doing them.
14. We want to encourage a more progressively healthy and ADAPTIVE response to stress.

To learn how to relieve your stress, book yourself on this Time Management course today.

Time Management Training

Time Management Training

Most people feel they need help with time management. How can you get more done in the same amount of time? How can you stop other people wasting your time? If you want to know how, then click here to find out more about our time management training course.

Definition: time management

Time management is a business skill that sets clear priorities, plans tasks in order, matches work to limited time, and checks progress to stay on track. Using these steps helps a person do the right work at the right time, control workload and cut stress.

Article Summary

Stress drops when you control two things at once: the real demands on your time and the way you think and care for your body. Plan tasks, work in order, delegate low-value jobs, keep healthy habits and you turn pressure into calm energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.

Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!

Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Time Management

• Time Management Skills: Planning Ahead
  Learn how planning ahead sharpens time management, sets clear goals and guides action with seven simple questions so you achieve more and save time every day.
  Read Article >
• Time Management Apps to Enhance Productivity
  Download our free time management apps to prioritise tasks, set SMART goals and make confident decisions. Work smarter, cut stress and improve productivity.
  Read Article >
• How to plan your time effectively
  Learn time management: plan ahead, focus on top goals, set priorities, delegate tasks and keep a tidy workspace to boost productivity and control your day.
  Read Article >
• Don't Leave it to the Last Minute
  Stop last-minute panic with smart time management. Early preparation, clear goals and self-discipline boost quality, cut stress and help you hit each deadline.
  Read Article >
• How To Prioritise Tasks Effectively
  Learn how to prioritise tasks with a clear value-deadline matrix and logical sequence tips. Cut busy work, boost time management and stay in Q2 productive flow.
  Read Article >

Looking for Time Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Time Management Skills, you may find this Time Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

Next Open Course Starts in 12 days, Birmingham, places available Book Now >