For many years I have tried to manage my stress. Holding high trust, senior roles meant stress was an inevitable part of the roles. But recently I’ve been getting serious about making time for things that feed my soul and keep me centred. And what has been interesting is, without even realising it, my stress disappeared. While the stress of my role hadn’t changed, how I seemed to handle stressful situations and people was radically different.  And it all happened naturally, without any effort.

So what are the three things I can’t live without when it comes to managing stress:

1. Meditation – I once read that the one thing all Fortune 500 CEOs had in common was their commitment to meditate every day. Over the last year I have been committed to meditate every night. While I struggled when I first started (a 20 minute meditation seemed like an eternity), I have now learnt to relax and view it as quiet time to reflect and visualise. It’s my number one tool for staying centred and true to who I am and what matters, ensuring I stay on track with the vision I have for my life. And when I’m centred and grounded, I find I’m unaffected by stressful situations or other people’s agendas.
2. Yoga – Now I’ll premise this with the fact that I am no Yogi, nor am I the ultra flexible one who can hook my ankles behind my neck. I am what you would call a beginner, however even doing this three times a week I have noticed an incredible difference in my energy and flexibility. Fewer aches and pains from working long hours means I can work with focus and get more done in less time.
3. Gratitude journal – I have long known the benefits of using a gratitude journal but have never viewed it as essential. However I do believe this is now an essential part of my day. Every evening I write down the three things I am most grateful for and I take the time to really feel how grateful I am for those things. Even during my worst days I find this brings me back to the things that really matter and re-centres me on what is really important.

If you’re struggling to stay calm and centred, or to manage the stress in your role, why not try these three things? I believe it’s the combination of all three that make the difference but don’t be overwhelmed. Start with just one and build from there. I have no doubt that you’ll soon feel the benefits I have.