1) Get the basics right
Getting the right amount of quality sleep, eating healthy and exercising regularly are things we hear about all the time, and for good reason. If you’re not fuelling your body in the way it needs to function, how can we expect it to perform in the way we want?
2) Start your day off on the right foot
Give yourself enough time in the morning to get any tasks done without feeling rushed. This may mean learning to get out of bed without hitting snooze, or setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier. It can also be beneficial to look at any changes you can make it preparing either the night before, or even at the weekend before. For example, if you’re making lunch, consider either batch cooking at the weekend, or doing this the night before so you have less to do in the morning.
3) Look at how you’re using your time at work
Do you find that you are constantly interrupted by emails, or trying to multi-task? Time blocking is a way of blocking out time for tasks in your day so that you are only focussing on one thing at a time. Whilst multi-tasking sounds good in theory, in practice you’re very likely to miss something, or not put your best in. Consider turning off email notifications, and only looking at them at set times of the time. If it’s urgent, someone can call you. Having constant interruptions, whatever they are, can interrupt your flow and take more time to get back into it after the interruption has stopped. Plan in breaks. If you’re desk based, getting up and moving about is good your physically and also gives you an opportunity to clear your mind from the old task and mentally prepare for the next.
4) End your day on the right foot
Work until a sensible time. If you feel like you are working longer than you would like, ask yourself why and be honest. Are you doing it because you feel you should? Are you comparing yourself to other people in the business? Ask yourself if you need to work those hours, and why, and if you’re happy with that compromise. When you are at home, leave work at work. Set a clear boundary and stick to it (for example turning off your phone, or not looking at emails). Eat properly, set time for exercise and leisure activities.
5) Have a discussion with your manager
Companies have a duty of care to you, so let them know when you’re struggling and what you need from them. They may have EAP’s (Employee Assistance Programs) that can provide support, or they may be able to support in other ways. If it’s a personnel issue, speaking to HR can be an important step too. Either way, you can both discuss where the stress is coming from, and the impact it is having, or could have, on you and the business.
6) Consider therapy
If you find that none of the above helps, consider reaching out to a therapist. We can help you look at what your stress triggers might be, how you’re currently coping as well as what can be changed so you feel more in control.
If this is you, head over to my Contact Me page, and ask to book an appointment.
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