Men's Health: Work-Related Stress

Dec. 22 -- You think you're under a lot of pressure? Try running the world's only superpower. Here's great stress-busting advice for our new commander in chief ...and you.

MEMO

TO: The New President

FROM: Men';s Health stress advisory team

RE: Your new gig

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your recent victory. Piece of cake, huh?'But if you thought the 2000 election was nerve-wracking, steady yourself. An even bigger triumph will be keeping the pressures of your new office from eating you alive. As a service to you, the country, and our own dreams of landing a really, really sweet ambassadorship, we';ve put together the following Oval Office stress plan. Take our advice and you';ll veto stress whenever it comes across your desk.

Oval Office stressor #1: STARTING A NEW JOBNo matter how confident you sounded campaigning for your new position, it';s only natural to feel anxious now that you actually have the job. Even President Clinton recently admitted there was a huge learning curve to running the country.

How to handle it:

Personalize your workspace. The Oval Office has been the scene of lots of historic action—some of it even involving the government. To feel less intimidated, decorate the space with a few personal items—books you love, family photos, souvenirs from your swings through Florida. “It will give you a sense of place and a feeling of security and ownership,” says Peter Juanpere, an architect who designs executive offices for Intec Group.

Also, create separate spaces for working, holding meetings, and reading. And talk to the secretary of the navy about installing an aquarium—water is soothing.

Wait 90 days before prosecuting or pardoning President Clinton. Making controversial decisions during your first 90 days will not only raise your stress levels, but could also cost you in the long run, says Jean Erickson Walker, Ed.D., author of The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Mid-Life Career Transition. “First impressions are important. Too many executives start off making dramatic changes and turn people off permanently.” Our official advice: Spend 3 months waffling.

Oval Office stressor #2: MAINTAINING YOUR LOOKSPresidents ripen like prunes. For the next 4 years, your body will naturally crank out cortisol, a stress hormone that can make your skin lose elasticity, your body lose muscle, and your hair lose color, says Ron Klatz, M.D., president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

How to handle it:

Appoint a White House masseuse and nominate your wife as secretary of sex. To cut cortisol production, put your brain on auto-pilot for a few minutes every day. The best strategy: Get a daily massage, and schedule lots of bedroom debriefings with the First Lady. Simply lying down slows brain activ-ity, and total-body relaxation distracts the brain from making that wrinkle-inducing cortisol. (George Bush the elder tried to have a massage every day he was in office, and he aged better than most.)