1. Appreciate that some stress can be useful
   
   Without it we would be bored and less effective. A survey announced “9 out of 10 Londoners experience stress at work” - the same research also revealed that 50% are happy with their work. 
   
   
2. There is ‘no stress’
   
   Positive stress (called ‘eustress’) and, when it gets too much, negative stress (called ‘distress’). For high performance you need eustress.
   
   
3. Identify specifically what is making you distressed
   
   The more specific you are the more likely that you can do something about it.
   
   
4. Decide what is beyond your control and what practical things you can do
   
   Focus on what is within you sphere of influence and get on with it. The things that are beyond your control should be firmly put to one side.
   
   
5. Change the way you look at the situation
   
   Replace “I can’t do it” with “I can do some of it”, “I’ll learn lots by doing it”, or, “at least I’m having a go at it”. 
   
   
6. When you don’t need to think
   
   About the subject that is making you stressed, switch off completely. 
   
   
7. We’re usually so relived when stress has passed
   
   That we forget about how we dealt with it, and, as a result, don’t get any better at managing stressful situations. Reflect on the last time you were in a state of distress and decide what you did that made it better (eg, stop checking e-mails) and what didn’t (eg, worrying about the amount there is to do rather than getting on with it).
   
   
8. Smile, laugh, tell jokes
   
    This will stimulate your immune system.
   
   
9. Enjoy the experience
   
   If you get a thrill from roller-coaster rides or video games then try to see the real life challenges as a great adventure too.
   
   
10. Being distressed can be bad for you
    
    If it continues for long periods, talk with sympathetic colleagues and friends or seek professional help.

The Mind Gym offers a 90-minute workout’ called ‘Sorted for stress’ and ‘Stress Busters’.