One day, years ago when I was working in the health and wellness industry, one of my intelligent and high performing colleagues appeared quite deflated. This caught my attention because she was always on her ‘A’ game, never asked for help, and was considered one of our most reliable team members.
When I asked her if she was okay, she responded with a sigh, “Yeah, but I just have so much on my plate, and I don’t know how I’m going to get it done.”
I had experienced that feeling earlier in my career, and I replied, “I don’t know exactly how you feel in this moment, but I’ve started a routine that has helped me tremendously when I’ve been in a similar situation”. She was excited to hear my routine, and once I shared it with her she put it into action. Not only did it make an immediate impact but it exponentially increased over time.
Want to know what I shared? Below are the 4 steps to reduce stress and refocus at work that you can apply in less than 10 minutes that my colleague claimed: “changed her life.”
Step 1. Disconnect from all electronics and take a few deep breaths
There is truth behind out of sight, out of mind. Stimulation and stress can shorten your respiratory cycle. Once your devices are out of reach, breathe deeply, as sufficient oxygen flow is what you require most to live!
Step 2. Drink a glass of water
Stress can dehydrate you by weakening your adrenal glands, and your brain needs water perhaps more than the rest of your body. Your brain is 70%+ water.
Step 3. Go for a 5-minute walk (no phone or devices)
Go for a walk and put all of your focus on clearing your head and reflecting on the things you’re looking forward to doing or achieving.
Step 4. Find a vacant meeting room or quiet space to sit with only a pen and notepad
Think deeply about your priority projects and tasks that are weighing on you, and jot them down in no particular order. You need to create space in your mind so you can start to think more clearly. Then, simply number them in order of what you need to begin working on first.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe famously said, “One always has time enough, if one will apply it well”. I’ve found this to be so true. There is no point in letting doubt or negativity build. Prioritize, and tackle one thing at a time.
After completing these 4 steps, there will be times when you will still feel overwhelmed. Here’s a tip for when you’re still feeling overwhelmed after these 4 steps: Ask for help from a manager or peer. Explain your situation, share the way you are feeling. It shows how much you care and how much pride you have in your work. It’s important to be confident in your abilities, but showing a sense of vulnerability is also a characteristic of great leaders.
My former colleague tells me that these steps have become a habit when she feels overwhelmed, and they help her refocus and get back on her ‘A’ game. But be patient, numerous studies have shown that it takes 3 full weeks for a habit to form.
Also, be cognizant that many individuals don’t handle stress well, so don’t hesitate to ask them if they’re okay and share this routine with them. It can change their life.
About the Author Gordon Shuford is the Director of Leadership Development at LearnLoft, a full-service organizational health company which exists to turn managers into leaders and create healthier places to work. Gordon has a background in corporate wellness and coaching.
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