Managing stress is a tough battle fought frequently by many, and work-life balance often isn’t prioritized as it should. Understanding the stress cycle and what causes anxiety are the first steps to increasing overall happiness and decreasing the risk for burnout.

It is inevitable that at some point during our professional experiences we will run into a scenario or conflict where our ability to communicate effectively will determine how the situation is resolved. Clearly maintaining professionalism in these situations is important, as is resolving the conflict. However, it can be difficult to balance those goals during an intense conversation. And, while no one is born an effective communicator–those are skills that we must learn and refine as we grow–there are several tips for developing and honing these skills.