5. House keeping

Stress management and prevention requires approaches towards managing stress

Long-term

· Too big a subject to cover here

In between patients

· Take a break

· Go for a walk

· Talk to someone

· Look at an icon of yours e.g. a favourite picture

During consultations

· Be aware of extrinsic stresses to the present consultation e.g. the previous patient running behind time

· Avoid stereotyping patients

· Deal with the here and now particularly when faced with a patient you do not like

· Be aware of your muscle tone and relax

· Tell the patient how you feel