By Aleigh Acerni

If you’re like I am, the daily pressures and stresses of work can affect you in different ways. Sometimes stress can cause me to be more effective: when deadlines are imminent I know I have no time to procrastinate. But pressure in the workplace can also at times make me feel overwhelmed—and having an elevated stress level every day, while being a good motivator, can eventually lead to such stress-related health problems as insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure and chest pain, according to WebMD.com.

Not surprisingly, a recent survey by Accountemps, a national staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals, reveals that 74% of employees say they perform as well or better than normal in high-pressure situations.

The respondents were asked to rate which sources of pressure were the biggest factors for them. Answers included:

• Meeting deadlines (25%)

• Balancing work and personal obligations (21%)

• Interacting with customers and/or clients (14%)

• Getting along with boss and/or co-workers (13%)

“Pressure situations can bring out the best or worst in people,” says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies.

To perform at your best under pressure, Messmer offers these tips:

Take a time out. Before you react, assess the situation and come up with a plan of attack.

Watch the clock. Focus your efforts on activities directly linked to your most immediate objectives. Lower priority tasks and those with deadlines farther out can be handled later.

Stick to the game plan. Direct your energy toward situations where you can affect the outcome and don’t spend time worrying about what you cannot change.

Call a team huddle. Seek input from colleagues on the best course of action.

Bring in a utility player. If the pressure you’re facing is the result of project overload, identify those tasks that can be delegated to another qualified member of the group.

But there are other ways to combat the stress of work. Office Spa: Stress Relief for the Working Week, a book by relaxation expert Darrin Zeer, also offers some tips—everyday items to keep at your desk to make your working hours a little less stressful.

Water bottle. It’s harped on by nutritionists, but eight glasses of water a day are recommended by experts. Keep a bottle at your desk to stay hydrated and avoid fatigue and sluggishness—two major signs of dehydration.

Snacks. While drinking all of that water will help you feel full and less apt to snack mindlessly, you shouldn’t fast simply because you’re at a desk all day. Keep some healthy food at your desk for days when you can’t dash out for lunch or have an urge for something to chew on. Some good options: microwaveable popcorn, cereal bars, dried fruit, trail mix, graham crackers or pudding.

Tea. The most consumed beverage in the world, tea can increase energy, stimulate brain activity and increase information retention. For stress relief, try chamomile for relaxation, or ginseng for an energy boost.

Sneakers. You don’t have to work up a sweat, but throwing on some sneakers and going for a walk stimulates circulation, improves mood and helps ward off depression.

Golf ball. A golf ball can be a great massage tool for your feet. Roll your foot over the ball to soothe arch strain or foot cramps, relieve tension, fatigue and even headaches.

Music. Music is a great way to unwind—even at your desk. Plug a set of headphones into your computer and listen to your favorite songs without disturbing co-workers. Bring in a stack of favorite CDs or check out a favorite radio station online—many radio stations broadcast over the Internet.

These tips should serve as little ways to bring down your everyday stress level. But, if pressure-related health problems continue for you (even if they do cause you to be more productive), you may need to evaluate some other options—maybe it’s time to change careers or seek the help of a professional.

Aleigh Acerni is assistant editor of the Business Journal. E-mail her at aacerni@crbj.com.

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