"Executive Stress: Knowing When to Stop"
By Malcolm S. Weinstein

* Today's executive is stressed to the limit. New technology (fax, Internet, cellular phones, constantly changing computer hardware and software) combined with corporate efficiencies (downsizing, restructuring, process re-engineering, total quality and increased global competition) are demanding more rapid turn around times and greater productivity.

* Many executives are not coping well with these stressors in their lives because they are either missing the physiological and psychological signals (or don't want to admit to them) or they are using the wrong techniques for unwinding (playing a competitive game of squash, for example).

* The first step in controlling the stress in your life is to be aware of the symptoms. These include physical ailments such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, emotional symptoms such as irritability, and cognitive signals such as poor concentration and memory. You then need to take a look at the activities in your life that are causing you stress.

* Your plan for reducing stress will include building stress resilience (eating healthier, getting more exercise), changing your personal habits, and changing organizational and situational stressors. This means taking control of your life and your time.

* It is guaranteed that stressful events are not going to leave your life, whether they be pressures of your job, your family or your own self-expectations. But you can learn how to cope with them better and keep the situation from getting out of control.

The Executive Plan for reducing stress includes daily contact and regular consultations with the women of ExecutiveWakeUpCall.com -- your new lease on life is just a phone call away!

Malcolm S. Weinstein, PHD, R.Psych., is managing director of the Organization Development Group of Wilson Banwell & Associates Ltd., a company providing corporate health and development services in Vancouver. His academic, clinical and corporate consulting activities have earned him international recognition as an expert in stress and the management of change. He is co-author of Managing Stress, Self-Counsel Press, 1991.