PERSONAL SPECIAL ..............BREAKING POINT

BREAKING POINT   Your workplace isn't the best place to shed a tear  or two, but it happens. Here's how to not let the pressure get to you Stress, frustration, workload and anxiety can drive even the most composed person to the brink of tears. While the jury is still out on whether the Chief Justice of India (CJI) TS Thakur actually broke down before Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public event on April 24, he did make an emotional appeal to increase the number of courts and judges. It's easy to relate to unbearable work pressure. But, if you're close to breaking point, read about how you can handle office stress before it overwhelms you. Make a list And check it twice. That overworked feeling can be tamed by putting down your thoughts and to-do list on paper. It can make you see your workload in a systematic manner. The clutter in your brain settles down when you see it all in black and white. Go offline Being accessible 247 means that you're always on. Make it a point to switch off so you have some semblance of a work-life balance. Always being available via phone or email means that you never have the time to tune out of work and it's constantly on your mind. Pick a cutoff time and stick to it. To not feel overwhelmed, you need time to unwind and clear your mind. Find your gang The people you work with have a big impact on your stress levels and job satisfaction. Having a good team with whom you can connect with can ease those feelings of going under. They offer moral support and a peer perspective. You can raise your concerns with them...and misery loves company. Get perspective Changing your outlook towards work can tone down heightened emotions.Understand that your job is important but bear in mind that so is your health, family and social life. Focus on doing a good job but remember, you're not indispensable. Your health? Now that's important. If you feel like you're taking on too much, take a step back and focus on yourself instead. Be realistic Have realistic expectations from your work and capabilities. You only have so many hours during the day. Understand your limitations and don't expect too much from yourself. You're only setting yourself up for disappointment. If your workload is too much, talk to your boss about a transfer. But, don't feel bad if a few tears manage to slip out every now and then. We're all only human.

glynda alves

ET4MAY16