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You are at the beginning of the sales cycle, in the middle if things go wrong, and at the end if expectations are not met. You need to ensure that your stress levels are in check so you can put your best foot forward at all times.

Here are some things you can do to maintain equilibrium.

1. Take an active approach to stress. Right away, this means that if you can't do anything to change the situation, don't stress about it! Does bumper-to-bumper traffic enrage you? If so, you're getting worked up over nothing. Relax. The same goes for late flights, long line-ups, busy signals, and other things over which you have no control.

2. Walk away. Go for a walk. If a problem is driving you up the wall, take a moment to cool down and consider what, if anything, is to be done. The problem will seem simpler when you return.

3. Give yourself a break when things get too demanding. Turn the lights off in your office, or just close your eyes. Better yet, keep an eye-guard handy to shut out the world for a few moments. Imagine a place where you have no choice but to relax: a tropical beach, a quiet cottage afternoon.

4. Get some shut-eye. A 15-minute nap will put gas in the tank. But don't sleep much longer than that or you'll wake up groggy.

5. Try some meditation techniques to clear your mind. Repeat a mantra in your mind. You will soon feel the immediate demands of the day slipping away.

6. Indulge yourself a little. Take a long hot bath with some scented oils or soothing salts. Or get a massage. A proper massage will not only invigorate your body, but also clear your mind.

7. Go for a workout. Exercise will not only allow you to blow off steam, it will keep you feeling good. If you're fit, you'll have armor against stress.

8. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Are your shoulders cramped? Is your back sore? Are you hunched over your desk? If so, you are an easy victim for stress. Stretch your knotted muscles and your stress will fall away.

9. Value your friends. A sympathetic listener will help you unburden, see things more clearly. And, perhaps most importantly, allow you to see that your problems are not so huge after all.

10. Don't get caught up in a moment of negativity. Take stock. Remember, there are plenty of good things in your life, and lots of people are worse off than you. Balance whatever is bothering you now with all of your blessings. Things aren't really so bad.

11. Don't rely on toxins to soothe you. Sure, a drink or a smoke (or something illegal) may be tempting. And it may improve your mood short-term. But these chemicals are addictive and may make your problems worse. Consider trying herbal and naturopathic products to improve your mood instead.

12. Is stress keeping you up at night? If so

    • avoid going to bed late

    • try drinking camomile tea (or the classic warm milk — it works!)

    • soak in a hot bath before slipping between cool sheets

    Don't take your troubles to bed with you. If you are angry or hurt, air your problem before you turn in. You'll sleep better and feel better.

13. Don't wear yourself out. The source of your stress may not be the world around you. It could be your own bad habits. Do you

    • expect perfection consistently?

    • refuse to delegate responsibility?

    • withhold trust from those you count on?

    • assign blame unfairly (to yourself and others)?

    • find yourself losing your temper?

    • work yourself to the bone without seeing the results you expect?

    If you answered yes to many of these questions, you probably expect too much of yourself and are doomed to frustrate yourself. It is good to be ambitious, but counterproductive and even destructive to set impossible goals and pursue them relentlessly. Take a step back.

I went on a diet, swore off drinking and heavy eating.

In 14 days I had lost exactly two weeks.

JOE E. LEWIS (1902–71), AMERICAN COMEDIAN, ACTOR