~ Stress ~

[MysteRy]

How To Handle The Interview Stress



No matter what degree you hold, how skilled you are, and what experience you hold, the very thought of facing an interview leads to goose bumps. To think about sitting in front of the interview panel causes stress to many people and it can be nerve-wrecking for them. Here we provide certain tips to face the interview confidently.

*Recognize Your Problem:First you need to accept that you are under stress and it is normal in such conditions. This is the most important step, as it allows you to find ways to come out of it. There are various signs which indicate that the person is under stress, such as, tickling in the stomach, sweating, babbling, tightening of the shoulders and neck, etc. Early detection of such signs and symptoms is imperative when formulating a plan of action to combat stress during an interview.

* Prepare In Advance:Before going for an interview, prepare both your mind and body. Some patent interview questions need to be prepared beforehand and body language such as posture must be rehearsed in advance. Preparation gives confidence to face the actual situation.

* Do Not Succumb To The Interview Pressure: Giving in is very easy, but to succeed one has to face challenges and overcome them with determination. Remember that your interview performance is the index of your character. It shows how strong you are. Just focus on your strengths and try to overcome your shortcomings. It is for sure that the interview panel will not change; you have to change and adopt the never-to-quit attitude.

* Respect The Interviewer: Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking, answer politely and with patience. It is important to face the interview with a positive attitude and keep your mind alert and open.

Only with confidence and determination one can come out of the pressure full situation. There is no shortcut to escape fear. One has to accept the fear and give his/her best to come out of difficult situations with the head held high.

[MysteRy]

Managing Job Related Stress



The recent times have seen recession taking a toll on the Indian economy, especially for industries like IT and ITes whose work is directly affected by the US economic meltdown. Layoffs and the fear of job loss has started affecting employees across all industries. With the debacle of major IT firm Satyam, this fear has taken new dimensions. Employees are stressed out and this in the long run, is bound to affect their productivity, which may spell even more problems for the economy. Moreover, constant job-related stress can put people at risk for various emotional and physical disorders. Here are some tips that you may find handy in combating such job-related stress.

1.Set realistic goals and expectations at work: Take a stock of available resources such as time, manpower, infrastructure etc. to accomplish all necessary tasks.Also whenever and wherever possible,delegate,prioritize or schedule tasks in a manner that allows extra time for their completion.

2.Resolve conflicts: Conflict in work teams is not necessarily destructive, however it needs to be sorted out in a positive way, such as by talking in an objective,non-accusatory manner,calmly,politely and rationally.Focus on the situation and facts, avoiding gossip and personal attacks.

3.Balancing one’s personal and work time: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.Achieving this balance is very important because being constantly focused on work can end up lowering workplace productivity due to burnout from overwork. Take an occasional break, spend your weekends with your family to re-charge yourself.

4.Handling stress with right Attitude:“ To let stress dictate your life and chase out the enjoyment is like letting a foe dictate your schedule and forbid you to enjoy your work, family and friends.” Maintain a positive attitude. Read good books and be in the company of positive thinking friends, practice and enjoy good humour.

5.Maintain a healthy lifestyle: This includes eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet,getting proper sleep and engaging in exercise as recommended by a physician. Also, avoid too much caffeine or alcohol or smoking.

6.Practicing relaxation:Techniques,such as breathing exercises,meditation,yoga,massage therapy,reflexology or attending a lecture/satsang can help reduce stress and improve positive energy.

7.Look for an alternative:Finally,if things in the present work place can not be changed, know that it is the time to look for another job, especially if it can help in reducing job-related stress as well as increase personal happiness and satisfaction.

These tips work very well in mild stress cases.However,for extreme cases,it is recommended that individuals seek professional help such as consult a doctor,a psychiatrist or other mental health professionals.