“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” ― Albert Einstein
I recently attended an online seminar on stress management by a well-known life coach. He shared tips for managing triggers of distress and developing effective coping mechanism to manage negative emotions. He said that we experience stress when we struggle to accept reality. I couldn’t agree more. We feel stress when we do not get the anticipated response or results. In an attempt to ‘fix’ things, we often end up taking wrong decisions and regret them later.
Stress has become an integral part of modern lifestyle. The world is changing at lightning speed, and we are racing with each other to remain relevant in the market. While the struggle to survive and thrive continues, we also want to control aspects of our lives such as career, business, financial stability, relationships, and retirement planning. We juggle so many things at a time, and this hustle-bustle has resulted in burnouts. Little bit stress is okay because it helps us remain alert and focused on our goals. But when pity issues cause restlessness and anger, it is an indication that we should pause and reflect on the present situation.
Public Relations is one of the most stressful and demanding professions in the world. Communication professionals (Comms pros) often work for long hours. They are expected to be available around the clock to address clients’ needs. Such high-pressure work environment eventually takes a toll on their health and productivity. Excessive stress and chaos block creativity and affect output. It is crucial to keep checks on mental health and make lifestyle corrections.
Here are four ways to manage stress effectively and increase productivity.
Avoid Over Commitment
One of the reasons for stress is over commitments and unrealistic expectations from self and others. We tend to over-commit under performance pressure and fear of losing opportunities. Sometimes, we give over commitment because we do not wish to offend people. When we fail to deliver on the promise, it results in stress and frustration. Take a critical view of your strengths and limitations before committing deliverables. Learn to say no when things are out of your capacity. We work with more creativity and dedication when we love what we do. Hence, avoid taking unnecessary stress out of fear of FOMO (fear of missing out).
Structure and Routine
Lack of planning and procrastination leads to stress and anxiety. Create a structure and routine to identify and prioritise tasks. It brings discipline and a sense of accountability. Routine also helps to organise things so that you do not miss important work. It takes time to form a habit or adapt to a healthy lifestyle. It can be difficult initially, but with consistent efforts, you will get accustomed to the routine.
Lifestyle and Health
Lifestyles play a vital role in coping with the stress. Cultivate healthy habits to manage impact of stress on the body and mind. Discipline is crucial in embracing a healthy way of living. Take sufficient rest to reset after a long and exhausting day. Allocate time for hobbies and recreational activities. Music is a best tool for relaxation. Our body has tremendous healing power. If we give it a chance, it can do miracles. Explore wellness retreats and expeditions occasionally to declutter and refresh your mind.
Mental and Physical Fitness
A sedentary lifestyle is the root cause of several ailments. Commit at least 30-45 minutes daily for exercise and mindfulness practices. It will calm your entire nervous system, and help you build resilience to manage stress. Also, limit the consumption of social media and digital information. We should have updates on current affairs, but knowing everything is not always necessary.
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