Managing the Heat at Work
Every job has stress, I mean EVERY job! I understand that some have more responsibility than others when one is in a leadership position. However, heat is inevitable and handling in when you have your duties, extra duties, survival, and you need to look good, can be too much to bear. Handling pressure and heat in a demanding profession requires resilience, effective strategies, and a balanced mindset. Here are some tips to help you thrive under challenging circumstances:
1. Shift Your Mindset
Focus on Growth: View challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. This is your dragon to slay, and you got this!
Control the Controllable: Accept what you can’t change and focus on what you can influence. This can be difficult, however, when you can’t focus on anything but, then try to do something completely different to shift your thoughts off the heat. Preferably this is something that keeps your brain in the moment. When things truly go sideways for me, I take a new art class such as ceramics. It’s a safeplace to make mistakes and build yourself back up again. A little shopping therapy never hurts either.
2. Stay Organized
Prioritize Tasks: Break work into manageable pieces and tackle the most urgent or impactful tasks first. Somedays, you might only have the energy for low hanging fruit. Tackles those projects, organize you desk, your laptop, your schedule, whatever helps you feel more prepared and organized to take on your dragon.
Plan Ahead: Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, or project management apps to stay on top of deadlines.
3. Build Resilience
Practice Self-Care: Exercise, eat well, and get enough rest to maintain physical and mental energy. This is always great in theory when your mind and back are keeping you awake at night. However, even simple stretches before bed or in bed when you wake up can be a game changer.
Develop Emotional Awareness: Recognize your stress triggers and respond with calm, rational solutions. Eckhart Tolle’s books have been great for me to take escalated situations as an exercise to keep your cool and stay conscience.
4. Communicate Effectively
Speak Up: Share concerns with your team or supervisor when workloads or expectations feel unmanageable. Even if you don’t get the help you need, at least you have advocated and shared the concern.
Ask for Help: Delegating or seeking advice can ease the load and provide fresh perspectives.
5. Stay Calm Under Fire
Pause Before Reacting: Take a deep breath, and assess the situation before making decisions. I like to drink water and ask questions of everyone before I react. You will be surprised to hear the other side of the story too!
Practice Mindfulness: Use meditation or breathing techniques to stay grounded. Fill your lungs to capacity can also help center myself. I recognize that I may have been breathing shallow which is terrible for anxiety and your posture!
6. Lean on Support Systems
Build a Network: Connect with colleagues, mentors, or friends who understand your professional challenges. I have a work wife that I could not live without.
Learn from Others: Seek advice from those who’ve thrived in similar roles. I love having a mentor to bounce ideas off of, also, I love to mentor!
7. Keep Perspective
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, even on tough days. I also like to celebrate others wins when I am over thinking about my situation, I will do a random act of kindness for another.
Remember Your Purpose: Reconnect with why you chose your profession and the impact you’re making. I have a happy file at work that I like to visit. I also have positive affirmations of my why.
8. Build Long-Term Skills
Time Management: Develop the ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively. I am still working on this, however, it’s a goal!
Adaptability: Embrace change and stay flexible in the face of shifting demands. Remember, that everything will work out, you may just be in a storm, but that too shall pass.
9. Take Breaks
Micro-Breaks: Step away for a few minutes during intense periods to recharge. Even if it’s to the restroom to wash your hands, take a break.
Vacations: Schedule time off to avoid burnout and return refreshed. If you don’t have time or money for a vacation. Take a mental health day. Life will still go on.
10. Learn from Setbacks
Reflect on Challenges: Use tough moments to identify ways to improve. Looking in the mirror can be challenging, but, give yourself some grace. As this may be a setback but it won’t be your last! So, learn how to navigate the next storm with grace.
Stay Optimistic: A setback doesn’t define your entire journey. Life is a cha-cha so get back on that dance floor!
Pressure can refine your skills and demonstrate your value—if you manage it well!