At some time or other, everybody in the workplace gets anxious. For any number of diverse reasons we get stressed out; we get a knot in our stomachs.

You’re aware your judgment might not be 100%. You feel you’d better watch what you say, or even keep your thoughts to yourself.

It doesn’t matter if the stressor was outside of work or waiting for you on arrival. It’s on your plate, not going away and now you have to manage your way through.

Personally, I’ve always used stressors as spurs to drive me on and intensify my thoughts and action. But sometimes, maybe just once in a while, things get a little too intense and it’s time to back off and take stock.

Over time I have seen people deal with these problems in many different ways.  For myself, there was always one trick I could use that got me back in balance and on track:

Cool-down Mode. Here you just simplify all work activity and focus upon only one thing at a time. It’s very Zen-like. You can keep working as usual and be very productive. The trick is to stop your mind multitasking and address only one issue. It is this focus that reduces stress levels and allows you to re-assimilate.

You can still have action item (AI) lists to complete during the day, but as you prepare the list, think only of the list. If you’re interrupted when working, put the current action aside (both physically and mentally) and focus now only upon the interruption until you can return to that AI. You must be disciplined and singular in focus. Keep your thoughts methodical, quiet and steady.

Operating in cool-down mode can go on for days or sometimes even weeks. Do whatever it takes to get you feeling right. This is also a good time to catch up on projects or individual work assignments if you have that opportunity.

Certainly, this approach works for me, but everyone is different. So, here are some other effective approaches you might consider:

Take a Break. Take a holiday or long weekend away from the stressor. You must be 100% out of your regular routine and away from troubling issues. Its better these breaks are low stress events and do not involve emotionally intense engagements. Again, slow, quiet and steady is the best path.

Try an Outlet. New or old pastimes/hobbies and activities are often great diversions. Try something where you have no time to think about what makes you anxious or angry. You might use this as either the short-term release you need now, or adopt it to provide a longer-term balance within your lifestyle.

Emotional Release. Sometimes you just have to let it out. It can be tears or arguments for some and physical exertion for others. If it reduces the stress and anxiety-levels, use it. Just be sure all consideration is shown to others in the process! Even after this, working through the Cool-down Mode might still hold benefits for your rested, new self.

Avoid Pause Activity. Don’t waste time doing things that merely delay (or, Pause) your feelings: Internet searches, TV viewing and watching movies etc. can fall into this category. It can be useful to delay, but ideally you must ultimately understand and address the root causes for your stress.

As a minimum, you should find ways to successfully adapt your lifestyle and work habits in a way that ensures you can become productive, happy and content.

Reassess Priorities and Plan. This could be done while you are on a break or operating in Cool-down Mode. In either case, it should only be undertaken after that stressful feeling has been diminished. It’s always better to plan with a clear head and refreshed mind.

So, now is the time for self-assessment. You need to consider if your stress was brought on by:

• Short-term problems.

Do you just need to back-off your intensity and schedule for a while? Are there events that will naturally settle down and be less a problem shortly, anyway? Are there specific issues you should address and resolve? If so, you can just manage the current pressure with some of the ideas suggested above and then later, return to your regular (or modified) lifestyle and work.

If this is not the case, are there:

• Lifestyle issues.

If you’re in a place where priorities and career are not what you want, you may need to reconsider your job, work habits and lifestyle outside of the workplace.

If your work/life balance is off, then at least you are fully aware what isn’t working. At worst, this is a good place to start! So, maybe it’s time to write down your priorities. Consider what it is you want:

• To be as a person, now
• To become in the future
• Enjoy in relationships
• Experience in life
• Accomplish in your career

Describe what you want and be sure to write it down. Next, make a Plan of how you will adapt your current course. If you’re unable to do this and your current path makes you unhappy, stressed or anxious, it may time to get some real (career, or other) counsel.

So, what matters to you? Maybe you already really like who you are and what you’re doing. Perhaps the Cool-down Mode lets you catch your breath and enthusiastically reengage your current lifestyle. It works for me.

Whatever it is you want, be sure you don’t routinely operate with that knot in your stomach. True, it can be a useful, occasional stimulus, but it’s ultimately unhealthy  and keeps you from being at your best. Besides, you deserve better.

Good luck finding your niche. Just make sure you dare to consider alternative paths. And, if you need to make changes, make them!

Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter @ianrmackintosh