Working in a high-stress industry is demanding, but it’s possible to thrive amidst the “chaos”. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the APA, only 30% of Americans felt their employer helped them develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. While many employers feel this is not their responsibility, those who do, according to the same survey, found a 77% increase in all around productivity and positive work atmosphere. Whether your employer adds to, or takes away from your ability to maintain your sanity, here are some tips YOU can use to navigate your way through.

Prioritize Self-Care

• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation is scientifically proven to exacerbate stress and impair your cognitive function. Don’t use the “Einstein excuse”. While brilliant, Einstein was known to skip meals, disregard his physical appearance, and deprive himself of sleep in order to concentrate on his innovations.
• Eat a healthy diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods to boost your energy and mood. Avoid excessive sugar, and try to eat as many superfoods as possible.
• Move: Physical activity reduces stress, improves your mood, and boosts your energy levels. Whether it’s going for a walk a day, a swim, yoga, or the gym, making time in your schedule to prioritize physical activity can pay off when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety.
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is proven to improve your focus and concentration and if practiced everyday, the results can be astounding.

Set Boundaries

• Learn to say no: Don’t overcommit yourself. It’s okay to decline additional responsibilities if you’re already overwhelmed. Saying no can help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Establish work-life balance: Set boundaries between your work and personal life to avoid bringing work stress home. This might involve creating a designated workspace, setting specific work hours, or limiting your work-related activities outside of office hours.
• Take breaks if needed: Step away from your work periodically to recharge and prevent mental fatigue. Short breaks throughout the day can help you stay focused and productive. At Privacy Glass Solutions, our go-to is shooting hoops and playing ping pong in our communal space.

Build a Support Network

• Connect with colleagues: Having supportive colleagues can make a big difference in your work life. Share your experiences with others who understand the challenges of working in a high-stress industry.
• Find a mentor: If you’re struggling to cope with stress, consider finding a mentor. As they say, if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
• Find a local MeetUp: Connecting with others who are facing similar challenges in a social setting can provide valuable support and advice. MeetUps are often industry specific, and you can even start your own.

Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

• Find healthy outlets: Engage in activities that you enjoy and help you relax. This could include hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing creative outlets.
• Practice positive thinking: Focus on the positive aspects of your job and your life. Avoid dwelling on negative thoughts and situations.
• Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms: Refrain from using substances or unhealthy behaviors as a way of dealing with stress. These can lead to further problems and exacerbate your stress levels. You might be asking “how else can I let loose”? The concept to understand is that substance use and other behaviors, under times of stress, exasperate rather than relieve.

Manage Your Time Effectively

• Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most important tasks first to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, and Agile Methodoligies to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
• Break down large projects: Divide big projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make them seem less daunting and help you stay motivated.
• Use time management tools: Utilize tools like calendars, planners, and productivity apps to stay organized and efficient. These tools can help you track your time, set deadlines, and avoid procrastination.

Cut Out the Noise

• Avoid internal politics: Whether it’s water cooler talk, gossip, or an “over-sharer” – focus on yourself. Becoming consumed with internal politics will get you nowhere, is a huge waste of mental capacity, and should be avoided to protect your overall well being.

Learn to Delegate

• Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks: If you’re overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This can help you lighten your workload and free up time for more important tasks.
• Empower your team: Give your team members the authority and resources they need to succeed. This can help build a strong and motivated team.

Take A Vacation, Seriously 

• Plan vacations: Take time off. Many people experience guilt for taking time off, even when given PTO. If you have the right team in place, your job will be just fine without you, and better off when you come back feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

By implementing these strategies, you can better manage stress, maintain your sanity, and thrive, rather than “survive” in a high-stress industry. Your career, but most importantly yourself, will thank you in the long term.