Get rid of your stress immediately

Unnecessary deadlines, procrastination and unspoken conflicts are the biggest culprits.

But the good news? You can do something about it today.

1. Procrastination: the silent killer of your peace of mind

Everyone puts things off from time to time. But procrastination is a master of disguise. It makes you think you're gaining time, when in fact you're just accumulating stress.

Think about the tasks that have been on your to-do list for days, weeks or even months. Every time you see them, you feel a gnawing sense of guilt. "I really need to do this," you tell yourself. But instead of taking action, you find excuses: "I don't have time now," or "I'm waiting for the right time."

However, that right moment never comes.

Solution: the 'two-minute' rule

Tackle your tasks immediately using the "two-minute" rule: if something takes less than two minutes, do it right away. If a task takes longer, plan specifically when you will do it - and stick to it.

Stop filling your head with "open tasks" and give yourself the peace of mind of completed actions.

2. Unnecessary deadlines: you are not a robot

Some deadlines are necessary. But many deadlines are pure fiction, created by you or others who do not think carefully.

How many times have you accepted a tight deadline, only to walk around hunted for days?

Sometimes you set yourself deadlines that are unrealistic simply because you think that's the way it should be. You promise to finish something at an impossible time and then find yourself stressed and overworked.

Why? Because you trapped yourself in a schedule that was never feasible.

Solution: ask yourself if the deadline is really necessary

When someone gives you a deadline, always ask the question:

"Why does this have to be on that exact date?"

There often turns out to be room. Also give yourself realistic deadlines and dare to say "no" to nonsensical time pressure.

Learn to schedule work naturally, rather than stressing yourself out unnecessarily.

The right pace not only gives you better results but also a lot more peace of mind.

3. Unspoken conflicts: ghosts in your head

One of the biggest sources of stress is not what you do, but what you don't do:

namely, saying the things that need to be said.

You know the drill: that one colleague or employee who keeps pushing work onto your plate, that friend who oversteps your boundaries or that supervisor who has unrealistic expectations.

Instead of bringing it up, let it simmer.

You grumble about it, you get annoyed, and before you know it, the problem in your mind is much bigger than it actually is.

Solution: say what needs to be said

Most conflicts do not resolve themselves. Almost never do.

Indeed, if you don't say anything, the other person often thinks everything is fine.

It is your responsibility to draw the line and make it clear what you want and especially what you don't want.

An easy way to do this is to use the "I message.

• "I find that I get overworked if I keep getting additional tasks. How can we ensure a fairer burden sharing?"
• "I feel uncomfortable when you make these kinds of comments. I want you to stop doing that."

Clear, respectful and without drama.

You'll find that most people are willing to move with you if you indicate your needs.

And if not, you can say goodbye to them.

4. The combination of everything: breaking the stress chain

Procrastination, unnecessary deadlines and unspoken conflicts are not separate problems. They reinforce each other.

By putting off tasks, you force yourself into tight deadlines. Those deadlines stress you out, making you feel even less like having difficult conversations.

And so you stay in the circle.

But here's the trick: if you solve one of these problems, the rest will become easier, too. Start small:

• Finish one task that you have been putting off.
• Stretch one deadline to a more realistic time.
• Have one conversation you've been avoiding.

That one step immediately gives you mental space and energy to move forward. I promise you.

You don't have to be a superhero.

You just need to decide that you no longer feel like unnecessary stress.

With the right mental coaching, you can immediately manage stress better.

Conclusion: immediately less stress

Stress does not come from your work or from other people.

It comes from how you handle your tasks, your time and your limits.

By addressing procrastination, setting realistic deadlines and engaging in conversation with others, you can immediately eliminate much of your stress.

Start today.

Choose one thing from this article and do it now.

You'll notice: immediately less stress.

And that's exactly what you need.

I also have 4 rules of thumb for inner peace that can help you with this.