Practical Ideas... [Tue, 26 Jun 2001 6:17pm]
Vedula asked "The technology advancements have ensured that we learn new things and new way of doing things daily.This results in constant pressure on us to deliver and adopt to change.What are your practical tips for managing and adopting to change?

Vedula"

Speaking from a personal perspective, I feel that this question has two elements and so needs two seperate answers.

1 - It's a simple fact of 21st century life that 'change', despite its name, is the only thing that is constant! We have always had change but what has recently increased is the pace of change. So whether we wish to our not we are forced to live with it.

2 - Fortunately for us as individuals, but unfortunately for this forum, there are many coping and adaptation mechanisms available to us. A good source I found to describe some of these is located at http://copingmatters.stanford.edu/

It is widely recognised that there are essentially two types of coping strategy - active and avoidant. With the active type, you meet it, embrace it and use it to you best advantage if possible. The avoidant type is where you ignore what is happening - effectively burying your head in the sand. Not surprisingly, the avoidant methods take a serious toll on your physical wellbeing where the active doesn't and can even enhance it.

Hope that helps

David

Unfortunately the web address I gave is only available to US citizens.

I've got some generalised stuff below which should help.

-Take deep slow breaths often, especially while on the phone, in the car, or waiting for something or someone. Use this time to relax and revitalize yourself.

-Remember, it takes less energy to get an unpleasant task done "right now," than to worry about it all day.

-Take time to be with nature, nourishing people, music, and children. Evenin cities, the sky, seasonal changes, and noticing people's faces, can be refreshing.

-Learn a variety of relaxation techniques and practice at least one regularly.

-Organize your life including time for fun, spontaneity, and quiet time. Set a realistic schedule allowing some transition time between activities. Eliminate unnecessary commitments.

-If your schedule is busy, prioritize your activities and do the most important ones first.

-Monitor your intake of sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol.

-Exercise regularly!

-Create and maintain a personal support system--people you can talk to under stress.

-Remember to stop and smell the flowers!

David

There's a parallel thread about stress at work to which you might like to add your comments, people. Click here to view it.

John