“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting new results” – Einstein
It seems, as leaders, we are surrounded by chaos whether it is the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, shifting work environments, or personal struggles. It is no surprise that many of us are feeling the weight of increased stress, distractions, and a decline in productivity.
How can we better deal with these challenges while finding peace and balance in our lives?
While change is the only constant in life, it can produce excess amounts of stress in our lives. In our post-modern world, change happens at a pace never before experienced in human history. The pressure to stay informed, respond to every email, and keep up with the latest crisis can be paralyzing.
Stress is a natural response to change, and it can serve a vital function. However, the unrelenting nature of modern stressors can take a toll on our mental and physical health. It’s no surprise we live in the most medicated country in all the world.
If we want to decrease the negative effects of stress in our daily lives, we must do something different (I think Einstein would agree).
Here are some strategies to help cope with increased stress:
- Meditation and Breathing: Practicing meditation (some call it prayer) can help calm a racing mind and improve emotional resilience. Learning new breathing techniques has also shown to decrease stress and increase levels of “feel good” chemicals in our brains. Wim Hof has many great insights here.
- Time Management: Organize your day with a clear schedule, and allocate specific time for work, relaxation, and personal time. The Eisenhower Matrix is a great tool to help with managing time better. You can find it here.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a proven stress reliever. Even a short walk can do wonders for your mental well-being. Studies have shown that even 30-45 min/day significantly decreases the amount of stress on the body. I compare it to slowly unscrewing the lid on a shaken soda bottle, allowing the pressure build up to slowly leak out rather than “exploding.”
- Seek Support: Do not hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals when stress becomes overwhelming. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be immensely therapeutic. As human beings we are created to live and thrive in community, so who are the four or five people you have in your life you can be transparent with during times of increased stress.
Remember, if you don’t change your current habits, you can’t expect different results (unless you’re insane). Haha. So this year let’s be very intentional about starting new daily habits to drastically decrease the stress in our lives.
