The consulting lifestyle is challenging on a number of different levels and this means that stress is rarely far away. The aim of this article is to give you a better understanding of your own experience of stress and to offer some practical and proven techniques for handling stress more effectively.

The consulting lifestyle is challenging on a number of different levels and this means that stress is rarely far away. The aim of this article is to give you a better understanding of your own experience of stress and to offer some practical and proven techniques for handling stress more effectively.

In order to manage stress effectively, it helps to have a better understanding of your own stressors (the things contributing to stress) and also of your most effective stress coping mechanisms.

Think of stress like a bath filling up with water. The stressors in your life and work are like the water coming out of the taps. Stress coping mechanisms are like the plughole (and overflow!). When more water flows into the bath than is able to be removed through the outflows, then water will flow over the sides of the bath. This is akin to you experiencing stress symptoms which can vary a great deal from person to person. Headaches and migraines, insomnia, skin complaints, neck and back pain irritability and an inability to concentrate are just some of the ways that stress manifests. More significantly, stress can also lead to major illness and mental health problems when left unchecked for a period of time.

So the first thing to do in order to manage stress more effectively is to list the unique stressors operating in your life and work right now. You can’t change what you’re not aware of, so think carefully what’s contributing to stress right now.

Now think about how stress in manifesting in your life and work at the moment. Is this a price you’re willing to pay or have you reached the point where you’re willing to make some small lifestyle changes which will create a massive difference?

Here are five simple good health practices for busy consultants which will see your ability to handle stress increase dramatically:-

1. Drink 2-3 litres of water every day. This is harder than you think because most people live in a chronic state of dehydration. It’s water that the trillions of body cells need to provide basic electro-energy. Tea, coffee, fruit juices, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and fizzy drinks don’t count and can add to dehydration. Don’t exceed 34 litres a day though, as your body needs a certain composition of essential salts in order to be optimally healthy.

2. Add organic wheatgrass or barleygrass to your water. These are green powders that dissolve in water and are readily available from health food stores. Add 1 teaspoon to a litre of water and build up to 2 teaspoons per litre after 10 days.

3. Meditate for 15 minutes a day. One day of meditation is beneficial but a lifetime of meditation is miraculous. You don’t need to follow in the footsteps of The Beatles in their Sgt Pepper era because there are literally hundreds of easy meditation soundtracks on the market. My favourite is the 21 Day Meditation Challenge by Deepak Chopra. In just 21 days you can form a habit which will benefit almost every aspect of your life and work.

4. Make a list of things you’re grateful for – every day. Forming the gratitude habit will shift your energy balance and attract even more things into your life to be grateful for !

5. Make lunchtime a time for lunch. Eat something sensible, get away from the desk and preferably take a walk in the fresh air too.



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Andrew Bridgewater is a Chartered Psychologist who overcame some major health challenges whilst working as a busy consultant in 2007. Andrew now specialises in helping business owners and consultants transform their health and stress levels. Find out more about Andrew and his latest health tips and techniques by visiting www.TheUKHealthCoach.com.