A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him.

He is not an interruption of our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider to our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us the opportunity to do so. - Mahatma Gandhi

MY CUSTOMERS CALL ON ME

My customers contact me: over the telephone by post by email even by dropping in at our Service center

There are so many reasons why they need me: to complain about a product or service to purchase a product, consumables or accessories to seek information on a variety of issues to request for service

and many more reasons

I am always ready to welcome them and not only address their reason for calling totally and efficiently, but to enhance their experience and satisfaction as well as ensure their delight.

CALLING ON MY CUSTOMERS
I have realised that just taking care of my customers who get in touch is not lent to make them our friends for life. If there is one thing that sweeps them off their feet, it is when I call on them, even if it is simply to ask if all is well. Nothing tells them more distinctly that I care.

I contact my customers: over the phone by post by email through personal contact

There are so many reasons for me to do so: to ask how a product is functioning or get feedback on service to introduce the customer to a new product or service, even convincing them to buy it to obtain and enhance customer information to wish a customer on an occasion such as a birthday, wedding anniversary or product anniversary and thus heighten goodwill to say hello and keep in touch and several more reasons

Proactively keeping in constant contact with my customers creates a strong advantage that our competitors find difficult to beat. I believe that it is the heart of successfully managing relationships with customers.

WHEN MY PHONE RINGS

I know how irritable I get when I have to hold endlessly for someone to pick up a phone. My customers feel the same way too and that could make them more

difficult for me to manage. So I always try to answer the telephone by the second ring.

If I am already on a call, I excuse myself for a moment and put the caller on hold. Then I take the second call and politely request the caller to hold on. If I anticipate that completing the first call I was attending to will take a considerable amount of time, I jot down the number of the second caller and say that I will call back. I remember to keep my promise once I finish the first call.

When I am leaving the office, I dont answer the phone unless I can sit back and speak at length. I find it better not to have a hurried conversation with a customer who may expect more attention that I can give at the time.

I greet my customers warmly and introduce myself clearly. I try and address my customers by name as often as I can during the conversation.

DIALING MY CUSTOMERS

I set aside time for making my calls, ensuring that I have enough time to do so. I do not rush them by squeezing them into my schedule and not giving adequate attention.

I choose a time that I think will be appropriate to call my customers when they will be in a more receptive frame of mind. Meal times, the mornings when they are engaged with their chores and late evenings are not the most preferable. It is not always possible to gauge my customers mood so I stay attentive to pick up on it through signs such as the tone of their voice.

I priorities my calls, putting the potentially more difficult list, for when Im my freshest.

Before I dial, write to or call on my customers, I spend a bit of time in preparation. I find this essential for a successful conclusion. I practice pronouncing the customers name, particularly the difficult or unfamiliar ones.

I begin by deciding on what I wish to achieve - making a customer who is unhappy happy, converting a reference into a sale, bringing an out-of- contract customer into contract, simply staying in touch with a customer by enquiring how our product is performing and so on.

I then sketch out my approach including how Ill open the conversation, the tone of voice that I should use, the way the conversation might develop, the possible questions I could be asked and their answers, the facts I may require and so on. This allows me not fumble or ramble during my interaction and to control its flow, leading to the end I had planned. I smile and Greet the customer warmly, Introduce my self confidently.

 If Im interested in obtaining a specific piece of information, I ask a specific question. But if Im looking for feedback, sights and the like, I use a more open ended query that enables the customer to clearly express herself/himself Wishing the customer a good day/Evening/night before hanging up lets me end the call nicely. I review my conversation to spot any improvements that I could make in future.

WRITING TO MY CUSTOMERS
My customers dont use the telephone to get in touch with me. They also write in for the very same reasons that they call, using the post /courier and increasingly, the email. This customer communication must be handled as effectively and efficiently as their phone calls. It can be done over the telephone or through an appropriate written response.

I ensure that I promptly respond to the communication after ascertaining all the facts, determining the requirements and/or solutions as well as the time required to implement them.

I keep in mind all the same points that I do when I attend to a phone call - the mindset of the customer especially the upset ones, the tone of my communication in this light, the understanding of how the customer feels, the honesty of the commitment and the reassurance that the matter will be brought to the appropriate conclusion.

I use simple language to facilitate easy comprehension.

I open with an enquiry about the customer and her/his family to create a positive disposition and mention the customers name a few

times in the communication to add a personal touch.

I follow through on the commitments and assurances made in the communication just as I do on those made over the phone to make sure that they are adhered to.

I carefully read my letters for typographical and grammatical errors so that any customer perception of a careless response does not occur the spelling of the customer name gets particular attention.

I strive for a neat presentation to enhance the impact of the communication.

I constantly update my writing and language skills to improve my written communication ability

WHEN MY CUSTOMERS VISIT

Customers sometimes visit my service center to complain, seek information or for a host of other reasons. Im always ready to welcome them, make them feel at home and attend to their requirements with the same care as I do when they phone or write in.

I walk up to my customers with a smile and warmly greet them! Introducing myself and asking them the purpose of their visit. If I recognise a customer whom I have interacted with, I address her/him by name. This never ceases to evoke a broad smile and sets the tone for a fruitful meeting.

 I make them comfortable, offer them a glass of water and refreshments before politely proceeding to business. Enquiring about their well-being as well as that of their families is a good way to break the ice.

I apply the same principles that I do when I take a customers call understanding their problem, gauging their frame of mind and altering my tone and manner to suit it, letting them know that I feel what they feel, indicating the course of action and honestly committing to its resolution, handling their apprehension and queries and assuring them that the company cares and of my best effort in the matter. Positive body language and gestures add emphasis to my words. I avoid negatives like I dont know or Im not sure as well as long pauses, preferring to note down the points and promising to get back with the information. I try and resolve as much of the problem during their visit, getting the required people involved where necessary. lighten things up with a bit of humor and seek to move beyond the purpose of their visit by offering information on new developments on products and services, opening up possibilities for cross-selling and the like.

I also seek to enhance and update customer information, using specific questions to elicit specific data and open-ended questions to let them freely express themselves on a subject. close the conversation by summing up the discussion and action points, retaining my notes for follow-up.

 I accompany my customers to the door and wish them goodbye with a smile.

VISITING MY CUSTOMERS
Customer visits not only enable me to pleasantly surprise customers but also to meet them where they live a first hand feel of their lifestyle.

Im just as careful about the timing of my visits as I am about my phone calls so that I dont call when the customer might be busy or will be disturbed (such as at meals times). I try and fix an appointment before going across, though this might not always be possible.

I ring the bell and confidently introduce myself, asking for the customer by name. If the customer is not in, I leave my name, company name, contact details and purpose of my visit.

 I warmly greet the customer and other members of the family before waiting to be seated. I enquire about the well-being of the family to open the conversation and move on to asking about the product performance and service. F seek to resolve any complaints as best as possible, making notes on points I need to get back on after follow-through on my return to the office. I also offer any information requested and speak of new developments in products and services, attempting to favorably predispose the customer to them and create an opportunity to sell. I maintain a cordial tone and use a bit of humor wherever possible to keep a light mood. I avoid asking personal questions unless they are related to information that I may require for the customer profile update or enhancement.

I look for references of prospective customers from amongst friends and neighbours.

If offered refreshments, I politely make my choice and remember my manners whilst consuming what has been served.

I close the conversation by summing up, thanking the customer for her/his time and promising remain in contact.

I smile as I leave and bid goodbye to all present.

SOME GEMS THAT I KEEP TOP-OF-MIND

I put myself in customers shoes. Maybe my customer is right works wonders. Agreement with my customers gets better results than arguments.

 The only way to get the best out of arguments with my customers is to avoid them. I think of my customer first as I would have my customer think of me first. I dont criticize my customers; they are just what I would be under similar circumstances. 90 per cent of my customers are reasonable; it is only 10 per cent of them that require tactful handing. Im prompt to get to my customer in adversity than in prosperity I feel like a hero every day by doing a good deed for my customer Customers forget very quickly Therefore I give fast service. Customers are not hard to please. Customer satisfaction is affordable and profitable because a satisfied customer becomes my salesman forever Customers want answers to their problems. They are not impressed by carpets and chandeliers. I do not over-welcome new customers to annoy the old ones. I visit my customers. Everyone should, even accounts people. Following-up on complaints and suggestions is a must. I get the customer to do most of the talking. The more I listen, the wiser she/he thinks I am. I give the customers the best I have and the customers give me back the best they have. If Im not busy meeting customers, Im forcing them to visit my competitors. It costs six times as much to get a new customer as to keep a customer I already have. One small deed for my customer accomplishes more than a thousand words. One way to be popular with my customer is to remember a nice thing a customer said about some other customer and tell her/him. Present customers are and will continue to be the best prospects for more business. I spend time and effort to read my present customers accurately and tune-in to what they require in terms of assistance and support. I do not take them for granted. Customers are innovative by nature and always opt for the better Life is short, but there is always time for courtesy. Customers who talk most have the least to say. I listen to them because I get diamonds when I sift lots of dirt. I adjust myself to my customers - never my customers to me. Winning a new customer is a heady experience, but losing one is pure hell. What do I do to convince other customers that they too should not dismiss me? With annoyed customers, the policy of I will try has worked wonders.

 Disciplining myself results in faster customer service.

Enhance Your Personality

YOUR BODY SPEAKS

Whether you realize it or not, your body sends out signals to your customer. You may not be speaking but your eyes, gestures and posture continuously communicate. If these signals indicate something different from what you are saying, it could seriously affect your credibility. Being aware of your body language and earning to read that of others improves your effectiveness dramatically.

Posture Posture the way you sit and stand - says a great deal about you and your attitude. It has a strong influence on your customers first impressions of you.

If you stand tall and erect, it suggests that you are confident. So, stand with your back straight when interacting with your customer.

However, if you stand straight but stiff, you could be seen as proud or arrogant. Appear relaxed without being sloppy to seem approachable.

 If you stand with a curved back and look down, it could seem that you have a feeling of inferiority. Hence, always look at your customer

It you stand beside your customer, you signal a neutral feeling towards him or her but if you interact face-to-face, you indicate that you are involved with what she/he is saying.

When your customer leans towards you in a conversation, it means that she/he is interested in what you are saying. On the other hand, leaning away shows a lack of involvement.

Folding your arms across the chest could make your customer feel that you are trying to hide from an unfavorable situation or that you are in disagreement.

Standing with your legs and arms crossed or with your ankles locked could make it seem that you are being defensive or negative. Arms and legs uncrossed on the other hand signals you are open and positive. Leaving your legs uncrossed and feet together is a neutral posture.

Keeping your body and legs straight but turning your head away when your customer is speaking to you could show that your interest in the conversation or person is fading. So never turn away.

Leaning your head and body to one side indicates agreement with your customer

 Pulling your shoulders back to make your body appear larger or placing your hands on your hips and staring directly at a person communicates your authority. Use this selectively with your team members but only when it is appropriate.

On the other hand, placing your hands behind your back and standing slightly off-centre from a person suggests that you are being submissive.

Remember that in groups, posture indicates the relationship between a person and the group. Group members imitate one anothers behavior to emphasize membership in the group. And groups tend to discourage non-members from joining them by, for example, forming circles at a party, suggesting that outsiders keep away.

Leaders of groups demonstrate their status by taking on postures different from the other members who, as a sign of loyalty, slowly copy their leaders.

Facial expression and eye contact

Your face reflects your true feelings. Your face may be communicating the opposite of what you are saying. Hence, it is important to ensure at you are saying to your customer and what your expressions suggest same. Your eyes are the most expressive parts of your body they can establish or break-off contact with your customer and regulate conversation. Looking at him or her for any length of time indicates that you want to establish contact whilst breaking eye contact signals that you want to end a conversation. Your customer relies on the expression of your eyes to decide whether to trust you. Shifty eyes appear untrustworthy and a lack of eye contact suggests that you are lying. You have one-third less eye contact when you lie, you must maintain eye contact with your customer as much as possible and at least half of the time of your interaction. Direct your business gaze at eye level. Your social gaze can fall a little below but not lower than the mouth of your customer. Never close your eyes or look away from your customer It communicates boredom and shuts her/him out. When what you read on the face of your customer differs with what she/he is saying, the expression reflects what your customer thinks more accurately. Whilst presenting to a group, your expression keeps the audience alive. Vary it to suit what you are saying. Maintain eye contact as far as possible with those who are smiling, nodding in agreement and supporting your ideas so that you stay positive. There are some rules that society has for eye contact and facial expressions. For example, it is not polite to stare at anyone,

particularly the physically challenged.

Gestures
Gestures illustrate and reinforce what you say promote actions and reactions your customer. Always read gestures with other body signals as hands might suggest wanting to end a conversation whilst the eyes might signal interest.

Warm gestures include directly facing or leaning towards your customer, smiling and gesturing expressively.

Cold gestures include avoiding eye contact, slumping, puffing your hands on your hips and not smiling.

When shaking hands with your customer, an up-turned hand suggests submission but a down-turned hand indicates dominance. Glove-style handshakes (grasping with both hands) symbolize trust and warmth amongst friends and associates but are viewed as nontrusting in first-time introductions.

Palms up demonstrate openness, acceptance and participation whilst palms down suggest immediate authority.

 Up-turned fists reinforce a point you are making definitively but clenched fists suggest masked hostility or negativity.

Your fist with the index finger pointing at a person is seen as commanding submission, and often evokes irritation so dont point at your customer.

Rubbing your hands together quickly radiates excitement.

Covering your mouth with your hand, touching or rubbing your nose, and pulling at your collar are seen as not being truthful or lacking in self-confidence. Gesture can be controlled. Practice them until they become natural to you. choose gestures that suit your style so that they are credible.

Voice
A

pleasant voice results in a positive pre-disposition unlike a cold, distant voice. Bad language and slang spoils the impact of even the most beautiful voice.

Use simple words and sentences so that you are grammatically correct. Avoid words that you are unsure of.

 Your tone shouldnt be too high or too low. Nor should you speak in one tone as your customer will soon be bored. Vary your tone to make your point or create the desired image. A harsh, nasal or highpitched tone suggests a lack of confidence or irritation.

Being really loud puts people off. On the other hand, speaking too softly may frustrate the listener. It could also affect the credibility of what you are saying.

If you speak too quickly you might not be understood and may be blocked out completely. On the other hand, speaking too slowly will put your customer to sleep. Pausing is a good tool to emphasize points. Pause on key words in your conversation. However, dont overuse the pause as you will be seen as uncertain of what you are saying. Excessive use of filler words such as uh, you know and actually is irritating and distracting. Construct and deliver complete sentences so you dont need these words to bridge your mid-sentence pauses. Dont let the last few words of sentences trail off until your customer cant hear them. She/he will gradually lose interest or the sense of what you are saying. Using shorter sentences will ensure that you dont run out of breath. Doing breathing exercises will also help. Pronounce your words carefully and avoid swallowing them as you will be difficult to understand. One way to avoid swallowing words is to practice reading slowly and loudly. Be particular when pronouncing names. Getting it wrong could insult your customer

A TOUCH OF POLISH

Greeting & Introductions:-Introductions and greetings are important because when you are meeting your customer, you have only a few minutes to make an impact and show that you can be trusted.

When you approach your customer, be direct, honest, genuine, positive and personable.

Always step forward and smile when introducing yourself, even if it has been a tough day. Then clearly state your name, and if appropriate, extend your hand.

It is critical to maintain eye contact when introducing yourself and greeting your customer Good morning, good afternoon and good evening are more appropriate than hi or hello unless it is a customer that you are very familiar with. When you are in public and a customer greets you, a smile and nod are all that is needed as you pass by, even if it is someone you dont recognise. A good handshake says a lot about you. A hearty handshake makes you out to be personable and positive whilst a limp handshake suggests you are a lifeless person. A handshake should be firm and held for 3-4 seconds with eye contact and a smile. Incorrect handshakes include the very vigorous ones and the limp wrist handshake.

When being introduced, if you are seated, stand up as it expresses happiness to meet the person. Remaining seated will suggest that you arent interested in meeting or are being arrogant. Be careful about asking personal questions as your customer might be put off.

 It is useful to ask whether you have disturbed your customer by calling before attempting to create further conversation. Dont use first names when conversing with a customer you dont know well. The usual rule is that when you have to think about addressing someone by her/his first name, it is better not to do so. Most people who have reached a position of status appreciate respect being given to them (eg: doctors). You will start off on a better foot with this in mind.

DRESSING UP
How you dress is the first step in managing your look. It contributes than half the first impression that people form about, they open their doors to you and hence, merits careful attention. They tend to infer the quality of your work from how you look. And dressing up is a lot more than having the perfect wardrobe.

The Building Blocks

Whilst clothing plays a central role in dressing up, several other important and complementary factors can detract from your desired image if not given due consideration. Together with clothing that we examine in further detail later, they are the building blocks of your image.

Hair
Select

a hairstyle appropriate to your hair type, face, hairstyle, profession and personality. Merely adopting a popular hairstyle wont necessarily enhance your image if it doesnt suit your face or hair type. Preferably seek the guidance of a professional hairdresser. The same applies to hair coloring. It is important to ensure that your hairstyle doesnt make you keep fussing with your hair at work. If your hair is graying, you can leave it as it is or color it. Change the color of your hair gradually so that people only notice how great you

continue to look.

Skin
your skin loses moisture especially when you are routinely exposed to heat and dust. If you have normal or dry skin, you will find it becoming taut and overly dry. If your skin is oily, it will become less oily. When your skin is dry, your face loses its glow, reducing its attractiveness and making facial lines more prominent. Hence, it is necessary to maintain a skin care routine that suits your complexion. Caring for your skin makes it glow, enhancing your look and minimizing visible signs of ageing. Get into the habit of cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin. You can make this part of your bathing routine. If you have an oily complexion, avoid heavy moisturizers and oilbased cosmetics. On the other hand, if you have a dry complexion, use moisturizing cleansers, toners and heavy moisturizers to protect and nourish your skin. Using a sun-screen will help protect your skin from ultra-violet rays.

Hygiene
A daily cleanliness routine strictly followed. Bad breath immediately puts off customers that you come into contact with. Thoroughly brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. Use a mouthwash, if required. A dry mouth results in unpleasant odor. Drink plenty of liquids to moisten your mouth. Chewing a breath- freshening mint will also help your mouth to smell fresh. A routine dental check-up will ensure that bad breath doesnt arise from deficiencies bad gums or decaying teeth.

 If you are a smoker get your teeth periodically cleaned to brighten your smile. If you have missing, crooked or chipped teeth, have them suitably replaced or fixed. Invest in your smile as it is vital in building relationships with your customers. Body odor also puts off customers. Bathe every day and then use a deodorant. This will assist you in effectively controlling body odor. Include washing and conditioning your hair in the daily routine. Ensure that your nails are neatly trimmed and cleaned. Long, dirty nails are an instant turn-off.

Clothing
Clothing is the most important aspect of looking right and it entails a lot more than picking up the right garments and accessories. The Business Look:-Your clothing says a lot at work, and can be the bridge to reaching prospective customers. Remember that if they dont like the messenger, they wont get the message. Your clothing must always look its best - clean and neatly ironed, never dirty or wrinkled. Decide on the size, fabric, color, pattern, texture and style that you desire. Cotton is the ideal fabric for our climate as it lets the skin breathe. You can also consider cotton blends (65-70% cotton, 30-35% polyester). A variety of weaves and textures are available.

Check the strength of the fabric by crushing a piece of it in your

hand. If it springs back, then the fabric will look good through the day, whether you are sitting or standing. Be sure that the buttons match the garment. Discreet logos or monograms (preferably in the same color as the garment) look better Remember that modesty is indeed a virtue. Avoid shiny or translucent garments and washed out looks. Wear very bright colored garments with caution as they might give the wrong impression. Clean crisp patterns are usually considered most appropriate. Cotton socks are more comfortable in our climate as they let your feet breathe and reduce odor

Accessories
Choose comfortable shoes and avoid very trendy designs that may not go with your overall appearance. Shop for shoes in the afternoon as your feet swell as the day progresses Black is the most appropriate color for shoes though some neutral shades go with most wardrobes. Your shoes and belt should complement each other and your garment. Always carry a handkerchief to wipe your face, to use when sneezing or blowing your nose. .

 Glasses can add or subtract from your appearance. Whether you chose metal, plastic or rimless glasses, ensure that the style complements your face, and that the frames pick up the color from your hair. Heavier frames are more appropriate for heavier people. Avoid too much jewellery such as too many rings and bracelets

THE PERSON INSIDE

How you look outside often reflects how you feel inside. If you are confident about what you know, it boosts your confidence levels and adds credibility to what you say. If you are at peace with yourself, it will radiate happiness that will mesmerize your customer. And you will feel that almost anything is possible.

Think Positive
Sometimes you may feel disheartened when you see colleagues successful than you. Dont let your confidence be affected, especially when you are with your customer, as it will be mirrored on your face. Cast aside your emotions and focus on the task at hand. Thinking positively will see you through these times, help lift your spirits and raise your own performance. Remember that all great achievements require time. Endurance is the crowning quality of success because tough, the tough get going. If you havent been successful in one go, try and try again until you succeed. Believe that there is nothing like I cannot attain or Im a failure. Success and failures are simply cycles that life follows. Dont cling

onto failure permanently. Move ahead, always striving to better your previous best performance. Dont make somebody elses achievements your benchmarks. Set your own standards and work towards them. At other times, you may feel misunderstood, unappreciated and unfulfilled, leading to resentment against your superiors and colleagues. When you find yourself in these situations, stop and question yourself before quitting or losing your cool. In your analysis, you may realize that you feel you are not making the most of your current situation. You must remember to Not allow yourself to burn out Stay centered Keep an open mind Look for solutions that offer relief

Winners are defined not by their victories but by the effort and perseverance they put in to achieve that victory. True glory is not just winning but in winning after overcoming all obstacles; in rising up to win every time you meet failure.

Stay Fit
Our genes are programmed to be physically active but modern forwarded our minds and slowed our bodies. We know that we should exercise but we are always too busy and tired. Regular exercise makes you look better, feel better, sleep better,

perform better. Your clothes fit better, your skin glows, you look relaxed and confident. You will also be energized to work longer hours and have no illness lay-offs. Exercise is good for you irrespective of your age, sex, height and weight. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and reduces the risk of ailments like heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes and colon cancer It strengthens bones, joints and muscles, and is effective against anxiety, stress and depression. Any amount of exercise is better than none. Rev up your heart at least thrice a week. Start by setting realistic goals. Make physical activity part of your daily routine. You dont have to go to a gym. Aim for at least half an hour of moderate intensity activity a day. You can accumulate this as three 10 minute sessions are equivalent to one half hour session. Walk to work, do planned exercise - it all counts. Dont focus on weight loss. Controlling your dietary intake will take care of that. Think instead about your health that will improve irrespective of how much you weigh and even if you dont lose weight.

Eat Healthy

What you eat has a significant effect on how you look and feel. Yet, like routine exercise, diet is an area usually overlooked.80% of heart disease and 90% of diabetes along with other killer diseases like cancer and hypertension are tied to unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. With a basic understanding of food traps and a little planning, you can eat better and smarter without sacrificing flavor or going hungry, keeping yourself trim and bounding with energy.
Try

and maintain some regularity in meal timings to avoid acidity. Drink cold milk, an excellent antacid, should you get a bout of acidity because of skipping a meal.
Become

familiar with the calorie count of food. Your total calorie intake should be based on the number of calories that you burn. To lose weight, your calorific input should be lower than your output.

Be choosy about the food you take in. Nutritionists have a fairly good idea of what constitutes a healthy diet. Lots of fruits and vegetables. Whole grain. Small portions of nuts, dairy products, fish and poultry. Vegetable oils.

The fewer the choices available to you, the less you will eat. Limit choices of everything that you eat, and especially snack, except for fruits and vegetables.

Portion control will assist in keeping your eating under control. Start by fooling your stomach. Use smaller plates. And beginning a meal with an apple or soup has a tendency to also control appetite. Become familiar with the calorie count of food. Your total calorie intake should be based on the number of calories that you burn. To lose weight, your calorific input should be lower than your output.

Stress Most stress arises from situations we cannot fight or flee. Success in a demanding job like yours can sense of pride. But this increases expectations and the prospect of falling short the next time can put undue stress on the individual. The ability to deal with these stresses varies but few people can live under this strain without being affected by it as the body and mind are closely interlinked. Stress manifests itself in the form of t numerous ailments ranging from headaches, twitches & tics, digestive disorders, peptic ulcers, allergies, insomnia, blood pressure! Heart disease, stroke, epilepsy, cancer, immune system suppression and many more. Some people under extreme stress take recourse in alcohol, drugs and even violent behavior to take flight from stress when they cant fight it any more. Stress has emerged as a serious health threat in modern living. It affects the quality of life of the individual and the family as well as work output and should not be neglected.

Dont put yourself under pressure with unreasonable expectations. Set realistic goals and do your best to achieve them. And if you sometimes fall short, remember that you will live to fight another day.

Take time off periodically to get away from the pressures of work and recharge your batteries. A change of scene will infuse freshness.

 Take on some hobby or interest that will take your mind away from work and ease pressure. Its very important that you talk about stress rather than bottling it up which makes its effects even more serious. Meditation, yoga and relaxation exercises not only take pressure off the mind but off the body too. Counseling and talk therapies help effectively deal with emotions, behavior, thoughts and beliefs that are disturbing by facilitating an undersigning of the problem and evolving skills to decisively deal with them.