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WHEN something is weighing heavy on your mind, trying to forget about it is often counter-productive. The more you tell yourself you should switch off, the more you end up worrying. This can lead to you not just fretting about the original problem but also about your inability to stop thinking about it. A much more effective approach is to face up to your concerns; staring them in the face will make them disappear far more effectively than trying to turn your back on them.

If you can't stop thinking about work it's either because you enjoy it immensely or because you feel there is a lot of unfinished business. If it's the former, don't worry about it, there is nothing shameful about gaining pleasure from what you do.

If it's the latter then try some simple techniques to un-clutter your mind and make space for thinking about things other than work.

At the end of each working day make a list of unfinished tasks and those which are a priority for the next day. Jot down some reflections on what went well and what you would do differently next time.

As job-related matters dominate your day it is hardly surprising you dream about them. To switch off from work, focus on developing other interests that will relegate work to a position of secondary importance. Avoid too much serious thinking late in the evening and aim to do something that tires you physically rather than mentally. Consider what you would choose to dream about — then do more of it.

Taking minutes

Use me: This is one of those tasks that most people instinctively avoid. Some people are intimidated by the prospect of taking minutes while others see it as tedious, and so it inspires some wonderfully creative avoidance strategies.

In fact, taking minutes is often less stressful than trying to dodge doing them. Next time you're in a meeting and they ask for a volunteer, offer yourself. Handy hints: The benefits of taking minutes are often overlooked. You don't have to say much but if you want to make a contribution you have the power to slow things down while you catch up with yourself.

Short cut: No one wants to read a long account of a long meeting. If an item is the subject of an extended debate stop writing and wait for the outcome, or lack of it.

(Edited extracts from Student Accountant, a journal of ACCA, London. www.accaglobal.com)

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