Prof. Dr Christine Syrek, an economist

Prof. Dr Christine Syrek

is an economist and received an innovation award for her research on work stress

“Distraction and repression are of little use – unfinished must-do tasks on the job are always pushing themselves into our consciousness and robbing us of sleep. We automatically start to brood, because the brain does not want to forget the questions and tries to solve problems. If we develop creative solutions in the process, this is positive. If not, we are literally taking the stress of work with us to bed. It’s helpful to write a list at the end of the day or week of what still needs to be done and how these issues should be addressed. A plan creates clarity. It brings cognitive relief because the brain knows what to do next. Then I don‘t have to keep the to-do list cognitively present all the time and the inner tension eases. Nothing more stands in the way of a relaxing weekend.”