Management Tip of the Day: Turn Stress into an Asset

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 31, 2011 Turn Stress into an Asset Stress is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to be damaging. When managed correctly, strain can positively impact productivity and performance. Here are three things you can do to make stress work for you: Recognize worry for what it is. Stress is a feeling, not a sign of dysfunction. When you start to worry, realize it's an indication that you care about something, not a cause for panic. Focus on what you can control. Too many people feel bad about things they simply can't change. Remember what you can affect and what you can't. Create a supportive network. Knowing you have somebody to turn to can help a lot. Build relationships so that you have people to rely on in times of stress. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Turning Stress into an Asset" by Amy Gallo. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Guide to Managing Stress HBR OnPoint Collection Stress. We all experience some level of it most days. We know that a certain amount of stress can make us more productive. Unfortunately most of us are more familiar with the debilitating aspects of too much stress: headaches, irritability, lack of patience with colleagues and family, loss of focus and productivity, too much junk food, weight gain or loss, nails bitten to the quick. We all know what we're supposed to do to reduce stress: Get more sleep. Exercise regularly. Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol. Set priorities. Work more efficiently. Plan ahead. And yet we're more stressed out than ever, and our personal energy is tanking. Can we find new ways to boost our energy, and become more productive? ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Ways to Increase Your Team's Performance 3 Traits Essential to Being a Good Salesperson How to Truly Unplug on Your Vacation 3 Ways to Spot a Liar Identify and Stop Workplace Bullying 3 Characteristics of a Real Team 3 Tips for Surviving Work Travel Defy the "Always On" Mindset Good Enough is Better than Great IT 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)