If you’re a city high flying manager, or a rural agricultural manager, or anything in between, you’re possibly feeling a bit stressed at the moment. And who would blame you – the media is constantly bombarding us with negative messages, about the banks, about the economy, about the socio-political climate. Have you noticed how if you think about these things enough, you feel mentally and physically heavier and more tired?

The power of information and thought that makes us feel worse can also be used to invigorate and refresh us. Some managers wisely invest in management training courses to become better at their jobs and reduce their stress levels. Other managers are using a more holistic personal development approach and seeking out different approaches to relaxation.

Now, the idea of relaxing and meditating sounds fine in principle, but unfortunately its image has been tainted. The notion of some new age, goat wool sock wearing hippie, lighting a joss stick and humming cross legged, doesn’t seem to be something one might apply to tackling board room battles and rumours of redundancies.

However, there are numerous methods a manager can employ to reduce their stress levels, which employ some kind of meditative and thoughtful activity. These techniques are used regularly not only to relax but also to increase the positive association between mind and body, which can also kick start real and effective changes both in you, and how you function in your job.