Black Collegian Career Center

Stiff competition, expanding roles, and demanding technological advances all add up to a heavy dose of stress for even the heartiest employee. So what's the answer? Obviously you can't control technology or the world's economy. But you can learn to filter stress so that it takes a minimal toll. Following are some tips for keeping stress at bay:

Remember: Stress is a response

Two co-workers' phones ring simultaneously. One of them answers with a smile, eager to satisfy the caller. The other grumbles loudly, protesting that *&%$# phone is ringing again. She makes it vehemently clear to all within earshot how much she resents the intrusion. What's the difference between these two workers? One thing is for sure-it's not the phone.

Top performers don't come in contact with less potentially stressful situations. Nor do they avoid challenges. They simply have learned to monitor their responses and stay in control.

The next time you are faced with an irritable boss, traffic jam, or pressing deadline, remember that the event does not determine your response-only you can do that. Remaining calm is sure to lead to a better outcome than succumbing to emotions such as fear or anger.

Learn to Laugh

Psychologist Steve Wilson, author of The Art of Mixing Work and Play and Super Humor Power respects the value of humor in stressful situations. Wilson explains, "Humor is a special phenomenon existing only in human beings. The immune effect of laughter stays with us for a lifetime. In light of the data about how stress defeats the immune system, the saying 'laughter is the best medicine' contains indisputable scientific backing."

A hearty laugh relaxes muscles, reduces levels of stress-creating hormones, and lowers blood pressure. Furthermore, people simply get along better and perform more creatively in a fun environment. Have you ever noticed how a finely placed joke can cut through tension and misunderstandings?

Sharpen your sense of humor and you are sure to dull the effects of stress.

"Take a "Technology Holiday"

Technology was supposed to make our lives easier. And yet surveys show that 60% of workers feel their levels of stress have increased since computers made their debut into the workplace. What happened? It’s become a double-edged sword, creeping into our personal lives and increasing stress levels for most workers. Laptop computers, pagers and cellular phones have in essence created an inescapable 24-hour office.

Robert du Puis, M.D., author of How To Avoid High Tech Stress, warns readers of the dangers of technology. He encourages the use of "technology holidays" to reduce stress. "Putting technology in proper perspective as a useful tool but not allowing it to run our lives is becoming increasingly difficult," du Puis explains. Escaping e-mail, voicemail, cell phones and beepers even during the evening or lunch hours is a sound step toward lower stress.

Forgive and Forget

Have you known people who remained in perpetual states of resentment against their co-workers or boss? Indeed, they probably took a perverse delight in repeating all the injustices they suffered to any willing audience. Studies show that reliving a negative experience carries an undesirable consequence-it forces the grudge-holder to relive the physiology that went along with the stressful moment. In other words, the stress is repeated as many times as they choose to walk down unpleasant memory lanes.

Here’s a unique "trick" for dealing with annoying co-workers who are impossible to get along with: The Brain Tumor Prescription. Pretend the person has an incurable brain tumor that causes him or her to act in this manner. They aren't responsible for their upsetting and irrational behavior. You certainly can't do anything about it either. Remember, it's incurable. So your only logical option is to avoid letting it get to you.

It’s your choice

One thing is for sure: letting stress control you is a poor choice. Successful people have learned to manage their personal stress, and you can too. Your physical and emotional health, career success and relationships with co-workers and family will all benefit tremendously if you learn to practice safe stress.

Kathy Simmons is a Director of Claims and Administration in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a frequent contributor of career-related articles to a number of publications.