Stress Beaters.
I used to live near a prominent solicitor, who walked past my house to work every morning. He was the archetypal city gent, with pinstriped three-piece suit, umbrella and bowler. He had a hugely successful business, helped to some degree I am sure by his manner and appearance. One evening I went to a barbecue at his house, and was more than surprised to see him in shorts, with much of his skin covered in tattoos and his body pierced in several areas. He told me he detested his work attire, but felt a great sense of rebellion when standing up in court, knowing that no one had a clue about what was under his suit. This constantly reminded him he was an individual, and he quite genuinely believed it made him a better solicitor. You do not have to go to such dramatic lengths to feel the same way, but the principle is the same. Dress for yourself, but pull your work personality on with your work clothes if you have to dress for work in a way you feel uncomfortable with.
There are two ways to dress - for comfort or for public consumption. Sometimes these overlap, but more often different occasions demand a particular style of dress. So, if you have a work dress code that is not natural for you, dress differently away from work to reinforce your personality.
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Let music work on you
Three centuries ago the English poet John Dryden wrote,'What passion cannot Music raise and quell?' - an acknowledgement that music has a powerful effect on our emotions. We know now that it can reduce stress by reducing blood pressure and slowing the pulse. Of course the effect music has on us depends on the type of music we are listening to. As a guide, slow, quiet music is more soothing than loud music with a fast beat, and many people find it more helpful to listen to quiet classical music than to pop music or 'easy listening'. However, the choice of music to relax to is individual, and there are exceptions. I know a consultant surgeon who listens to soothing 1 baroque music when coming to the end of each surgical procedure, but also of a bank manager who plays loud Country and Western songs between clients. It does not matter what music you like listening to, but it is important how and when you listen to it. Remember:
^        You do not need to listen to music for long before you will feel better. Even five minutes in a coffee break will relax you.
To avoid irritating your work colleagues, use a personal stereo.
Have a selection of music you enjoy, rather than listen to the same thing all the time.
When listening to relaxing music, use other techniques at the same time to reduce stress, such as deep breathing and stretching.
Many people find 'New Age' music - combinations of environmental sounds and relaxing music - helps them unwind.
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