When life gets stressful–and it does, especially for leaders and managers–it’s easy to feel like you are losing your balance.
The next time that happens, call on one of these simple tricks to help you relax, unstress, get grounded, and find an emotional boost:
1. Take a break.
Just stop. Take a moment or an hour or an afternoon to re-elevate, reenergize, and rethink what is happening so you can make the best choices.
2. Stretch and sweat.
Take a long run, go to a dance or yoga class, play a game of basketball–anything that will get your heart pumping and your mind disconnected from your negative feelings.
3. Get inspired.
If you’re stressed out because you’ve lost your motivation, take a little time to read a book, watch a video of a speaker you like, or have coffee with a friend who inspires you, and watch it all come back.
4. Do something kind.
Do something that helps another–even if it’s something small–to keep your perspective from becoming too self-centered.
5. Have a snack.
When you’re stressed out, you may forget to eat and take care of yourself. Sometimes you need a snack or meal. (Remember, though, nourishing yourself doesn’t mean binging on junk food at your desk.)
6. Control your breathing.
Check in with your body and do some deep breathing. It instantaneously reduces stress and increases oxygen to your blood. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it briefly, and then exhale deeply through your mouth.
7. Finish what you started.
If you need a little boost, take something off your to-do list–it almost doesn’t matter what. Just a little checkmark can lift your energy and release the burden of getting something done. Even small chores accomplished have a big payoff in mood shift.
8. Tune in.
Put on some headphones, if you have to, and crank up your favorite piece of music. It may not change the circumstances, but it can improve your outlook.
9. Make it matter.
Shift from doing something you need to do something that really matters to you. You’ll feel your stress dissipate and your energy increase.
10. Have a good laugh.
Watch a funny video or seek out the office comedian for a joke. Laughing will immediately shift your energy, stimulate your mind, and renew your sense of happiness.
11. Accentuate the positive.
Any stressful situation combines positive and negative elements. Keep the positive; learn from, and then let go of, the negative.
12. Count your blessings.
Think about or write down what you’re thankful for. Expressing gratitude creates an instant mood boost and helps reorient your perspective.
Keep yourself grounded through stress and you’re halfway to living your best, most productive life.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
THE LEADERSHIP GAP
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.