January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Women in Business / Coping with stress

Five easy steps to help you deal with stress

Five easy steps to help you deal with stress
Five easy steps to help you deal with stress

By By Cynthia Anderson- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

For those in high level company positions, stress goes with the territory.

But for businesswomen who balance the demands of home life with their professional ambitions, this may be doubly so.

So knowing how to cope with stress is essential. No-one likes dealing with stress, but it becomes a lot easier if you know how to manage it when it happens.

I joined HWP in 1996 as a senior accountant, working my way up the corporate ladder to the position of CFO. I am also the mother of two teenagers - Phillip and Cyniqua.

In the course of my professional career, and after raising two children, I have developed some tried-and-true techniques for achieving success in the workplace and fulfilment as a parent without being completely frazzled in the process!

First, don't put off until tomorrow what you can realistically achieve today. Adding 15 minutes to your workday in order to finish a project or send an e-mail is much easier on yourself than realizing two weeks later that you need to work the whole weekend to catch up.

It's also easier on your family, as it means they can count on seeing you on a somewhat regular schedule.

Second, fix problems when they happen. I never delay dealing with tricky or challenging situations. Instead, I tackle them head-on. I find it makes my life a lot easier. Generally, the farther away you are from an issue the harder it is to remember all the details. By addressing issues and problems up front, you will have an easier time dealing with them.

Third, learn how to delegate. Don't be afraid to ask for help and share the responsibility of certain tasks. You might find that your employees thrive when given more challenges and appreciate the opportunity to prove themselves.

I got where I am today by working hard as I climbed to the company's highest levels. There's a real value in this - I understand what those around me are doing and they know that I've been in their shoes.

I also know what I can realistically expect from them at that level and when they'll likely be ready to take on more responsibility. Sharing the work, and creating a team environment where it's "all hands on deck" makes things easier on me and reduces my stress level.

On the home front, there are also things you can do to reduce the number of tasks you take on yourself. Ask your kids to chop vegetables for dinner or set the table before you get home. Encourage them to complete as much of their homework as possible before dinner, and then sit down with them before it gets too late to offer help.

Share responsibilities with your partner or spouse if you have one. Create a timetable once a week that sets out who is doing what and when. You may have to alter the plan from time to time, but there will be less stress on you throughout the week if you've thought about who is taking which child to soccer practice, and who is getting groceries.

And if your budget permits the luxury, hire a cleaner to assist with the main household chores. Even if they visit just once every two weeks, it will make the cleaning duties lighter on you and your family.

Fourth, be prepared for when things go wrong. Keep copies of your home and car keys in your office or give a set of keys to a friend. Keep a list of important passwords in a secure place. Identify a few people who can help you out with errands or child care in a pinch.

Fifth, make time for yourself. I make time in my calendar for sports because exercise lowers my stress level. I also try to give myself a half-an-hour in the evening once in while when the house is quiet to enjoy a glass of wine or have a bubble bath.

Stress is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Stay calm, work through challenges when they occur, and take a moment to exhale once in a while.

Cynthia Anderson is the chief financial officer of HWP.

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