Finding meaning and purpose in the actual work (remembering WHY I'm doing what I'm doing) seems to work for me. Other times, I imagine myself already retired and in that imagination, I "remember" fondly the times of my most ACTIVE years (which can also be seen as the most "stressful" ones) - this works very well for me to shift a feeling of pressure into a feeling of excitement about the present moment.
But most of all, nothing replaces for me the strength of good planning and a healthy thirst for ever-increased performance. This way, I know that in fact I AM doing the best possible under the given circumstances. It is also very important for me to communicate effectively with my supervisor (so both our expectations are crystal-clear to me and so that our working relationship is one of full mutual trust). I see stress is a "symptom" of feeling unable to cope with (or apprehensive about) what is to come. If I feel it because I'm unable to cope, then I discuss it with my supervisor and the team, so that work is properly managed and delegated if needed. If I feel apprehensive about what is to come, I get as much information as possible about the respective process/phase/matter and I prepare to the top of my ability. But every time, I do my best to become deeply aware that it's all "just a phase" and to focus on handling that period in the BEST possible way that is available to ME in that moment.
Having a supportive, engaged and balanced family can be a tremendous contributor to managing work-related pressure with a balanced life outside science...
But at the end of the day, remembering that we are all like grains of sand in the grand picture of the Universe really helps me - and so does petting a purring cat (I find it very therapeutic ^.^).
Thank you Israa, it all passes so quickly that we just need to find every possible way to enjoy the beauty and wonder of just being alive, do good whenever we can and most of all, find peace. All the best!
Proper planning and working on deadlines proactively, setting reasonable goals rather than aggressive ones, and proper delegation/collaborations are among the principal ways To fend off work pressures.
A person must divide his time between work and rest so that he stops working when he feels tired and returns to him when he regains his vitality. As for the researchers, this is almost not available because the research work takes a great effort and time to come out well. I think that you should go out with the family at the Weekend to areas outside of cities to relax and travel out of the country at the end of the school year.