How to manage the stress storm

For business leaders, stress comes with the job title. However, while stress is an unavoidable aspect of business life, there are simple and effective strategies to mitigate its impact. In this article, we discuss various approaches for managing stress to help you stay at the top of your game

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on www.vistage.co.uk

In addition to the specific stresses of operations and management, business leaders also contend with a myriad of external factors. These pressures encompass social, economic, and geopolitical events, both locally and globally. Together, these elements can culminate in a perfect storm of stress, obscuring the path to clearer skies beyond.

A study conducted in 2021 by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that business leaders’ lifespans decreased by 1.5 years solely due to the stress induced by an economic downturn. This concerning finding is particularly alarming given the fast-paced and volatile nature of the business market. Stress significantly undermines mental well-being, leading to adverse effects on overall health.

Build your network

Establishing connections with individuals or groups with whom you can openly share your concerns can be instrumental in identifying and managing major stressors. By surrounding yourself with peers who are facing similar challenges, you create a supportive environment where issues can be openly discussed. Often, someone may raise a topic that resonates with multiple individuals, making it easier to collectively address and identify potential solutions.

Is it real?

Another beneficial strategy involves writing down problems to approach them from a different perspective – questioning whether they are actual concerns or merely perceived ones. Stepping back and examining problems from an alternate viewpoint, asking these critical questions, often reveals that many of the concerns we believe are urgent to address have a minimal likelihood of ever materialising.

Take care of your body

Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet can significantly impact how effectively you manage stress. For instance, if you’re feeling exhausted, even minor events can trigger stress. Incorporating healthy habits often leads to a cascade of positive effects. Additionally, technology such as smartwatches can assist business leaders in maintaining their health and well-being.

Prioritise self-care

Many business leaders prioritise the needs of their employees, businesses, and families above their own. However, when it comes to managing stress, it’s crucial to learn to practice self-care. Taking steps to address stress, whether through maintaining your health, connecting with others, or considering career changes, will not only improve your well-being but also enable you to be the most effective leader possible.

By building supportive networks, reassessing concerns, prioritising self-care, and embracing healthy habits, business leaders can navigate the challenges of stress more effectively. By doing so, leaders not only enhance their own health and longevity but also optimise their capacity to lead effectively and drive success in their organisations.