Wise Words About Stress from a Wide Range of Achievers
I understand, I really do. You’re busy. And no matter how well intended, my posts here may feel sometimes like they are just giving you one more issue to think about. I often write about promotional items and printing services, and they’re intended to make your life easier, not more difficult.
But as a business owner or manager, you’ve got so many things on your mind already that it may feel like an overload. Well, today, I want to be part of the solution to that problem, too. Stress can be motivating, but it’s not healthy. You need to manage it for your own…and your company’s….good.
Famous People “Stress” the Need to Relax
As I looked into the subject of stress, I found that quite a few well-known folks have commented on the issue of stress. Some are business leaders, others are from many different fields. But I felt that it was worth passing them along to you. If even one of them strikes a chord with you, it may help.
1. “There are times in life when there’s absolutely nothing you can do, also known as a chance to relax.” – Robert Brault
But don’t wait until it’s the only option. There are plenty of other times, even in the busiest schedule, where it’s the best option. It can recharge you and unleash fresh, creative thinking.
2. “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris
Good advice here. When you feel most overwhelmed with pending tasks, that is when the stress is most likely to impair your judgment or lead to diminished results.
3. “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” – Lee Iacocca
As head of Chrysler Corporation, Iacocca brought the company through some tumultuous times. He knows what he is talking about.
4. “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” Hans Seye
I like this one. Because in most cases, you can’t magically make the stress go away. But you can adjust your attitude and approach to dealing with it. Do what you can, do it as well as you can, and keep moving.
5. “Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.” – David Allen
I find this one thought-provoking. It isn’t the length of the list that feels so intimidating. It’s the fact that things aren’t being crossed off that list as quickly as you’d like. When you keep making progress, you are better able to keep an even keel.
6. “You need to be able to manage stress because hard times will come, and a positive outlook is what gets you through.” – Marie Osmond
Another vote for attitude as a stress-controller. This legendary entertainer has performed on Broadway, TV, radio and more, so she understands dealing with numerous demands.
7. “A positive attitude may not solve all our problems but that is the only option we have if we want to get out of problems.” – Subodh Gupta, author of “Stress Management: A Holistic Approach”
A dose of realism, perhaps. But it’s a good reminder that even if it can’t single-handedly remove the causes of our stress, a positive outlook keeps perspective and blood pressure down. And that certainly can’t hurt!
8. “One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren’t enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.” – Viggo Mortensen
No question today’s culture reflects people in a hurry, on highways and sidewalks and in the workplace. That is due, in part, to pursuing loaded (or overloaded) schedules for their children and themselves. Attacking tasks with calmness and focused attention will certainly lead to a better outcome.
9. “Studies have shown that those who take the time to smell the roses and view nature are able to lower their blood pressure and reduce their stress.”
– Salma Stockdale
Large oaks dwarf small problems. Appreciating the beauty and wonder around us isn’t “hokey” or “touchy-feely.” It keeps things in perspective and brings tangible health benefits as well.
10. ”When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter in 5 years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go.” Catherine Pulsifer
In other words, prioritize! To deal with the important things first, you have to KNOW what things are truly important. Think about the big picture, and, as another famous saying goes “don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Take a Breath. Take a Break.
We’ve been helping businesses operate more efficiently for nearly 100 years. During that time, we’ve helped countless businesses work more efficiently. Often, it’s through services and technologies we offer that allow business people to have more productive workdays. That happens through our time and labor-saving technologies, and our incredible customer service reps.
Customers appreciate it. Our three consecutive Best of Print and Digital awards came entirely through the positive feedback from those who have worked with us. Our ISO certification is also a proof point for the effectiveness and reliability of our processes.
Contact Superior today. We have plenty of proven strategies that will allow you to end your workday sooner and get more done (stress-free) in the hours you do spend.
