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by Priyanshi Singh
Stress in the workplace may be unavoidable. Deadlines, sales quotas, budgets, fear over job security, and performance worries can all lead to anxiety at times even in great companies. As a leader, it’s crucial that you recognise the signs of stress and take action to prevent it from becoming a problem. It’s time to take control of the workplace culture. Good leadership means managing stress to ensure your health and to create a healthy work environment for your teams.
Pay Attention to Your Body’s Signals: - Listen to your body’s signals. If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly, you may be experiencing prolonged stress which can be problematic.
Warning Signs of Executive Stress at Work
o Anxiety, irritability, depression
o Apathy or loss of interest in work
o Sleeping problems
o Consistent fatigue
o Trouble focusing or concentrating
o Muscle tension, headaches, migraines
o Stomach pains
MAKE A LIST: - Try listing out the most pressing issues with which you need to handle. Pick one and take the first step. Action helps you take control of the situation and feel like you are taking proactive steps to get things done. Some leadership training experts suggest you start with the most difficult tasks first. Others suggest starting with a few easy ones so that you can cross things off the list and feel like you’re making progress right away. Leaders are used to being responsible for everything. The list of things that need to be accomplished and the pressure to perform can take a toll. It helps to get started.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS: - As a leader, you’re used to juggling a lot of important details. Your mind is constantly working. It may be reflecting on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness is a conscious act of bringing your attention to the present. Breathe and focus on the moment with judgment. When thoughts arise, it’s OK to make a note of them, but then let them go and return to the present.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS: - This can be especially effective when you are struggling with a situation at work. When you are doing “think work,” the prefrontal cortex of your brain keeps you focused on your goals. This part of your brain is responsible for logical thinking, executive functioning, and willpower to control impulses. Research shows that regular breaks allow your prefrontal cortex to recharge. A lot of “aha moments” occur when you take that break.
DELEGATE TASK: - Too many executives suffer from superhero syndrome. They believe nobody else can do as good of a job as they can, so they fail to delegate. Instead, they feel like they always have to save the day!
You need to know what tasks your team can handle and help nurture their growth. Can you use a task as a teaching moment for your team? This can also help reduce your stress by training others to take on more so that you can concentrate on the bigger projects.
DON’T FOCUS ON PERFECT: - Help can also come in the form of leadership training designed to create a strong workplace culture. This can include how to de-stress the workplace for your benefit and your employees.
Avoiding the stress trap is surely not an easy task for someone who takes their leadership role seriously. However, being able to prioritize mental well-being and physical health over any other task is an important step that leaders must take if they want to remain effective and positive. It takes conscious effort, practice, and the willingness to improve your life to deal with stress and to prevent it from disrupting your life and your business.
Priyanshi Singh
Manager HR
AirCrews Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
www.AircrewsAviation.com
Priyanshi@Air-Aviator.com
