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Stress management

This Month

15 Mins with the Boss Podcast guest Graham Kittle, CEO of Heidrick & Struggles, in North Sydney on June 26, 2025. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer

This top exec knows how burnout feels. It led him to his dream job

In his late 30s, Graham Kittle, managing partner of executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles in Australia, was on the career fast track. He was soon derailed.

June

‘I was desperate’: the stress-related pain men don’t talk about

Men in high-stress, desk-bound jobs such as finance and corporate law are the fastest-growing group of patients for bladder problems.

Lululemon managing director Tim Holland.

Why the lululemon MD doesn’t prioritise physical health any more

There was a time when Trevor Holland would tell people his Lululemon role was a side job, even though he was working there 40 hours a week as store manager.

April

Mouth-taping during sleep is having a social media moment, but experts aren’t convinced.

The sleep trends experts think you should (and shouldn’t) try

We asked specialists whether the hacks that spread on social media can really help you fall and stay asleep. Here’s what they said.

Robin Barbieri, Craig Wright and Patrick Flanagan.

Can you take an extended career break and not hurt your career?

More employees are seeking time out of the office to travel, upskill – or find out who they are outside work.

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February

Learning to turn down a request is essential for protecting your physical and mental health, experts say.

Six ways to say no at work – and improve your health

Many people find it difficult to set boundaries, especially with a manager. But as with any new skill, it gets easier with practice.

January

The brave career move that helped propel Matt Comyn to the top of CBA

The CEO of Australia’s biggest bank reveals pivotal moments in his career – and how much sleep he likes to get.

December 2024

Why Gurner gave up alcohol – and what he learnt

The property developer and wellness entrepreneur has rarely had a drink for 18 months. He doesn’t like what he sees from people who are imbibing.

October 2024

Sabri Suby in his sauna. “The ice bath is forced meditation – it’s all about the breathing and it 
really centres you. It quietens the chatter and cleans the slate.”

Why this Young Rich Lister swears by a daily ice bath and sauna

Sabri Suby’s nightly sauna and ice bath routine might sound like an ordeal, but he calls it “forced meditation”.

Richard Evans

This CEO gave up drinking 10 years ago, and never looked back

Why Australian Chamber Orchestra boss Richard Evans swapped alcohol for walking and a cup of tea.

September 2024

JPMorgan Chase headquarters in New York where long working hours are the norm.

JPMorgan to cap junior bankers’ working day – at 13 hours

The move comes as Wall Street banks look to allay concerns that they have fostered a culture of overworking.

July 2024

Exhausted? Something more restorative might allow the stress to decrease.

The five best exercises to beat burnout and stress

Knowing what type of exercise to focus on when needed is key to allowing the stress chemicals to move through you more effectively.

AFR

Are you guilty of these eight unhealthy ‘microaggressions’?

Such behaviour can have a serious impact on mental and physical wellbeing, including depression and sleeping problems, say experts – so it may pay to avoid it.

Marc Pasques, Grant Ellison and Kendrick Louis, founders of UAre.

Extending life expectancy big business for Manly app founders

The three surf club members started comparing workouts in 2020. Now their platform, which aggregates wearable technology data, is worth about $9 million.

June 2024

Top CEO reveals the biggest mistakes he ever made

Koda Capital CEO Paul Heath says among the worst errors he has made is failing to realise how difficult change can be for staff.

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May 2024

Podcasts can offer practical and problem-focused techniques to help with anxiety.

Six podcasts that will help you cope with stress

At a time of unsettling news at home and abroad, these shows offer tips and first-person accounts to alleviate a spiralling sense of unease.

June 2023

Susan Rossell, psychedelic researcher.

Would you pay $30,000 to treat your depression?

Authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe psychedelics to eligible patients as of July 1, but the path ahead is far from straightforward.

Gratitude, even in small doses, is good for us.

Gratitude really is good for you. Science says so

Specific, timely acts of thanks can help foster better relationships, aid sleep hygiene and even lower one’s chances of depression.

May 2023

Rebecca Anderton-Davies: Dealing with life’s clutter.

How this Goldman Sachs managing director avoids burnout

After she stopped striving for perfection, Rebecca Anderton-Davies found a new way to live – and now she’s sharing her methods.

April 2023

Cheryl Goodman takes a mental health day if she feels a bout of depression coming.

How this executive deals with depression

Cheryl Goodman, senior manager at wellness company Wanderlust, has learnt to recognise the telltale signs that she is heading into a bout of depression.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/stress-management-1msq