A second key tool is quite simple talking about it. When those project team members went around the room and talked about their individual stress levels, the conversation itself gave the members a sense they were not alone. And out of that conversation came a consensus decision to alter the team's course of action and to re-balance. With awareness and conversation, each individual must then determine their priorities and consciously choose to behave in a different way. I've even found that taking several five-minute breaks during the day to walk around the block or the building provides an opportunity to take a deep breath, gain perspective and to make sure we remain in balance.
Some people meditate.
Some drink coffee or tea. Some take a quick nap. It's our choice even as difficult as it is. But what makes it easier is first becoming aware, talking about it with others and beginning to make choices about how we spend our time based on what is most important to us one day at a time. Dr. Edward M. Marshall is President of The Marshall Group Inc. in Chapel Hill.