Top tips to deal with pressure

Managing pressure before it becomes stress: A practical guide for the automotive industry

Working in the automotive industry can be demanding. Busy workshop floors, customer expectations, tight deadlines, unpredictable workloads, and long days can all create pressure. A certain amount of pressure can keep us productive and motivated - but when it builds, overwhelms, or goes on for too long, it can turn into stress.

Understanding the difference - and knowing how to manage pressure early - can help protect your wellbeing, boost your focus, and prevent burnout.

Pressure vs stress

Pressure and stress are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they’re different. Knowing the difference helps you respond in healthier, more effective ways.

The difference explained

Aspect	Pressure	Stress
Definition	The demands placed on us at work or home — like deadlines, customer queues, school runs, or daily responsibilities.	When pressure becomes too much, lasts too long, or when several pressures pile up at once.
Impact	Can be positive - helps you focus, stay motivated, and get things done.	Often negative - leads to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or unable to cope.
Triggers	Everyday demands and responsibilities.	Unexpected changes, extra responsibilities, illness, financial worries, or prolonged workload.
Analogy	Like correct tyre pressure: enough to keep everything running smoothly.	Like a balloon: too much pressure for too long, and it eventually bursts.

Why managing pressure matters

In the automotive world, pressure can come from all directions — customers waiting for repairs, MOT backlogs, parts delays, performance targets, or managing staff. Recognising when healthy pressure is starting to shift into stress helps you take action before you hit breaking point.

Signs pressure is turning into stress may include:

• Constant worry or racing thoughts
• Feeling overwhelmed or “on edge”
• Difficulty sleeping
• Losing concentration
• Snapping at others
• Physical symptoms (tight chest, headaches, stomach issues)

You don’t have to let it build until it affects your health. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

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Five proven ways to manage pressure

Pressure affects everyone differently. What feels manageable to someone else might feel overwhelming to you - and that’s okay. Here are practical ways to manage pressure before it becomes stress.

1. Understand your pressures

Start by identifying what’s creating pressure.

• Make a list of regular pressures (e.g., deadlines, workload patterns).
• Note one-off pressures (e.g., a difficult customer, unexpected overtime).
• Acknowledging what stresses you helps you prepare, plan and prioritise.

Tip:
Knowing what you’re dealing with makes it easier to decide what needs action - and what can wait.

2. Get organised

Getting your tasks out of your head and onto paper (or a phone app) immediately reduces mental clutter.

Try this:

• Write down your tasks in order of priority.
• Tackle the most important first.
• Break larger jobs into smaller steps.
• Tick off completed tasks for a sense of progress.

Why it works:
Clarity reduces overwhelm and helps you stay in control during busy periods.

3. Take it slowly

In high-pressure environments, it’s easy to fall into “multitasking mode.” But doing everything at once often slows you down.

Instead:

• Focus on one task at a time.
• Notice the progress you’re making - not just what’s left to do.
• Slow, steady steps are more effective than rushing.

4. Vary your tasks

Mixing challenging tasks with easier or more enjoyable ones can help maintain motivation throughout the day.

For example:

• Follow a tricky repair diagnosis with a simpler job.
• Alternate admin tasks with hands-on work.

Variety keeps your energy levels balanced and reduces the chance of burnout.

5. Accept what you can’t change

Some pressures - parts delays, customer behaviour, or organisational changes - are simply out of your control.

Instead of fighting them:

• Focus on what you can influence.
• Let go of what you can’t.

This shift in mindset reduces unnecessary frustration and helps you conserve emotional energy.

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Bonus strategy: Use micro-breaks and breathing techniques

Even 60–90 seconds of deep breathing or stepping away from your workstation can reset your nervous system.

Try:

• A short walk to grab water
• Slow breathing: in for 4 seconds, out for 6
• Gentle stretching between tasks

These micro-breaks are small but powerful.

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What you can do right now

Here are practical steps you can take today:

• Choose one pressure you can reduce or organise.
• Break a big task into three smaller steps.
• Take one micro-break during your next busy period.
• Tell a colleague or manager if you feel overloaded.
• Keep this guide handy to revisit when pressure builds.

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Need extra support?

You don’t have to deal with pressure alone.

Ben is here to help - completely free for anyone working or retired from the automotive industry.

Call us: 08081 311 333 Chat online: Our team is here to listen and support. Try SilverCloud: A digital platform with expert tools and programmes to improve your mental wellbeing.

Taking the first step can make a huge difference — and we’re here when you need us.