Tag Archives: reduce stress
November 20, 2019 Leadership Practices to Cut STRESS
For many leaders, stress seems to become the norm. They are constantly dealing with managing people, projects, and clients…all in between attending many, many meetings.
Stress does NOT have to be the norm. You can still be a good leader AND cut your workload (in fact, freeing yourself up and de-stressing may make you a better leader).
Here are 4 ways to start cutting stress:
1. Delegate
If you want something right, you have to do it yourself, right? …Right?
Not at all.
Sure, if you hand off a task, it might be approached in a different way than what you intended, but that doesn’t mean that approach is wrong. It’s just different…and different can be good! “Different” can bring variety and new ways of thinking or solving problems. Part of delegation means letting go some of your control. It means opening yourself up to others’ methods and perspectives.
Effective delegation involves handing over the reins with enough instructions to make things happen, but also giving a certain amount of freedom to the person who will be performing the task. Remember: even if the person is a bit slow or clumsy at the task at first, they will learn. Give them time.
2. Step Away From the Office
Despite what you might think, you are not a machine. You are human, and humans need to occasionally rest and rejuvenate.
Schedule meaningful breaks into your daily schedule–time when you’re completely unplugged from work. Go on a walk, read a book at lunch, get a massage, or attend your child’s soccer game.
In addition to your small daily breaks, schedule vacations into your year. Even a few days at a cabin on a lake will do wonders for your stress levels.
3. Prioritize
What are the items or tasks that truly need your attention? What are you unable to delegate to others?
Prioritize your task list, based on the assignments you need to handle personally. Your other to-do items can probably be delegated or outright skipped. For instance, are you really needed at every single meeting? Can your team handle certain meetings on their own?
Make a to-do list at the beginning of each week, in addition to the start of each day. This will help put big-picture tasks in perspective. It is also helpful to hold a quarterly planning session to look at the even bigger picture in the office.
4. Make Meaningful Connections
Being a leader can seem lonely at times. To overcome the isolation, make an effort to communicate with others and make meaningful connections. This will inevitably involve being vulnerable and allowing your authentic self to come to the surface.
Of course, you have to maintain some professionalism when communicating with your team, but you shouldn’t be afraid to show them that you’re human. You have interests; you make mistakes; you have a family and a life outside the office walls.
Just the act of reaching out and asking someone about their day will help you form better bonds with that individual. And, when you feel that you have friends (and a support system) in the office, that can cut stress significantly.
As a leader, you don’t have to let stress consume your life! Take charge of your leadership by delegating tasks, taking meaningful breaks, and developing an internal support system. Now, breathe!
If you’d like to read more about how to beat stress, take a look at my post on stress-busting techniques.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
NOW LIVE: CHECK OUT MARGARET’S NEW ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: beat stress, leadership coach Margaret Smith, leadership stress, Low-stress workday, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith life coach, reduce stress, smart delegation, stress at work
November 29, 2017 20 Ways to Beat the Season’s Stress!
The holidays are upon us and life can easily turn hectic. The stress of maintaining a satisfactory work-life balance has the tendency to amplify during the holidays. Whether you’re rushing to meet end-of-the-year deadlines, plan holiday parties, find (and pay for!) gifts, or prep your family for an out-of-town trip, it’s easy to feel as tightly wound as wrapping paper around a present.
All of this stress is a shame, because the holidays should be a joyous, relaxed time that we spend with close friends and family members. How can you rediscover holiday cheer and find some inner calm? Try a few of these 20 quick tips:
1. Breathe deeply
The steady rhythm of your breath has a calming effect on the mind, much like any repetitive, soothing sound or motion.
2. Eat a healthy lunch
According to Dr. Pat Bass, a healthy diet is an essential element to combating stress.
3. Exercise
Find something that works for YOU and practice it regularly!
4. Relax your mind
Do a crossword puzzle, squeeze a stress ball, paint a picture, doodle in your notebook.
5. Practice yoga/mindfulness
Yoga helps you focus on the ebb and flow of your breath and also releases the tension in your muscles.
6. Schedule “you time”
Write it on the calendar! Set aside some time to do exactly what you want to do.
7. Schedule family time
Be present for your loved ones.
>>Read about three ways to truly live in the moment.
8. Walk outside
Vitamin D is essential for your skin and just being in the outdoors has a revitalizing, rejuvenating effect.
9. Laugh
Laughter reduces stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. Watch a funny movie, read the comics, or go to a comedy show.
10. Be present
Focus on the here and now instead of getting stressed about the future or regretting something in the past. My book, The Ten-Minute Leadership Challenge, devotes an entire chapter to this concept.
11. Network/reconnect with friends/find your support group
We all need a support group. If you have close friends in the area, make an effort to reach out to them from time to time. If not, find a supportive community through meet-up groups, your local community center, or continuing education classes.
12. Indulge in your interests
Do you like to knit? Paint? Practice Tae Kwon Do? Work your interests into your schedule.
13. Massage
Everyone loves a professional massage, but if you’re short on time or don’t want to spend the money, give yourself a hand massage or shoulder rub.
14. Listen to music
“Music calms the savage beast” and it can also reduce tension. Pick your favorite genre and let Pandora find the perfect music mix for you.
15. Practice gratitude
As I mentioned in my November newsletter, a grateful person is generally a happier, more optimistic person.
16. Count/recite a mantra
The rhythm of counting or reciting a mantra can help calm your mind. Additionally, a positive mantra (i.e. “I can do anything,” “I am smart and strong,” or “Nothing can get in my way”) can give you an added confidence boost.
17. Close your eyes
Sometimes closing your eyes is a good way to distance yourself from your troubles. It also helps you focus on your thoughts without letting visual distractions get in the way.
18. Get organized
A neat and tidy desk or house can help focus your thoughts. Too much clutter can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
19. Free write
Get your thoughts down on paper. Write whatever comes to mind if you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to sort through a complex issue.
20. Plan a vacation
Even if you don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon, it’s fun to plan a future vacation. It also gives you something to work towards—a long term reward.
Isn’t it time to relax and enjoy the holidays? Take a deep breath and get started with creating a calm, rejuvenating holiday season!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS®DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: 20 stress busters, beat stress, beat stress and anxiety, career coach Margaret Smith, holidays and stress, margaret smith leadership, personal wellbeing, reduce stress, relax during holidays
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- Posted under Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
February 15, 2017 10 Diplomatic Ways to Say NO
It’s easy to say yes.
“Yes, I can take on that project!”
“Yes, I’ll have that to you by next week!”
“Yes, I’ll add another client to my list!”
While it’s great to be agreeable, there is a limit. When you’re bogged down with commitments and your work-life balance is suffering, it’s time to put on the brakes and start saying no. Do it for your mental and emotional health. Do it in order to be true to yourself (in other words, don’t take on projects that do not align with your skills and interests). Do it to set boundaries and stop others from taking advantage of you.
But do it right.
Below are 10 diplomatic ways to say no. Practice reading them aloud in front of a mirror until they become natural.
“Thank you for the opportunity, but my schedule is packed.”
“I know you would like my help with __________, but I won’t be able to do so unless/until __________.”
“I wish I could, but as a rule I don’t __________.”
“Thank you for thinking of me, but I have other commitments.”
“I’m really not the best fit for __________. Have you tried talking with ? That sounds right up his/her alley.”
“I appreciate you coming to me with this opportunity. Unfortunately, I have too much on my plate right now to take it on.”
“I would like to say yes, but I don’t have time to do this project justice right now.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m only taking on work related to _________ right now.”
“I’d like to help you, but my schedule won’t allow any new projects.”
“Thanks for asking, but I really can’t.
Use these responses to help you take control of your time and schedule. It takes courage, but you’ll thank yourself later if you decide to decline a project that doesn’t align with your values and priorities.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS®DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: creatively say no, diplomatic ways to say no, job help minneapolis, Just say no, margaret smith career coach, Minneapolis career coach, reduce stress, saying no, work-life balance
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- Posted under Better Business, Changing Your Life, Communication, Leadership
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