From time to time we all need a break. For a lot of business operators, it's difficult to find the time, the money and the staff to replace you when you do take a break. The end result can often be that holidays aren't taken, and over time stress and tension build up to the point where the level of customer service starts to suffer.
We all need to be able to recognize when we need a break. There are many telltale signals indicating that your stress levels are building. They include:
- You are abnormally irritable. Situations that you would normally handle easily become mountains, and you find that you are losing your temper more on a regular basis.
- You are constantly fatigued. Being tired is a very common symptom of stress. Typically, no matter how much sleep you get, it's never enough.
- You generally feel unwell. If you find that you are having difficulty fighting off colds and other common ailments, you may be run-down, another common symptom of stress. Frequent headaches also seem to accompany increased levels of stress.
- You lack the ability to concentrate. This shows that you are not functioning at your best as a result of stress.
There are, of course, many other signs and symptoms that can indicate that you are suffering from a stress build-up. The most important thing is to do something about it.
I always recommend regular check-ups with a doctor. If you are concerned that your stress levels are really high and you are starting to feel out of control, don't be embarrassed; simply visit your doctor and tell him or her exactly how you are feeling. If you don't do something about it, things will only get worse and the stress will manifest itself in more startling ways each time you ignore it.
The hardest part of dealing with stress is trying to figure out what you can do to relieve it. Everyone is different. I know that for my wife, shopping and general pampering are great stress relievers. I prefer a nature fix - camping, fishing, a walk in the rainforest, or something else that ensures that I am well away from telephones and computers.
Identifying what works for you is an important step in overcoming the ravages that stress can bring into your life. To work at your best level, try to find what works for you and do it as often as possible. Take holidays regularly. Even if you can't afford the ideal, round-the-world, first-class type of holiday, at least take a few weeks off just to stay at home and enjoy some time out. Exercise, catch up with friends, read some good books, or just watch a pile of videos and play with the dog for a few hours everyday.
Just as it is important for you to recognize when you need a break, you must be able to identify when your staff need a break. Keep a close eye on everyone you work with and look for the telltale signs of stress creeping into the workplace. If you feel that someone is starting to show signs of stress, talk to them and give them an opportunity to explain how they are feeling. Suggest that they talk to their doctor. This is a delicate situation that requires sensitivity.
I have worked with some pretty serious characters in the commercial diving field and the gold exploration industry. These were hard men who aren't the stereotypical stress sufferers, but believe me, there were plenty of teary people over the years who simply let stress take control of their lives. I also have battled with stress over the years.
Don't underestimate the effects of stress on you and your staff. The end result can be lost customers and permanent ill health.