Trust in your skills and resilience and keep pushing forward, says Robert Hosking
Stressful times are inevitable in any administrative job, but they don’t have to throw you off your game or leave you feeling drained. Whether it’s a project with a tight deadline, a brand-new role or a to-do list that never seems to end, these challenging periods can be tackled head-on by adopting these seven highly effective habits.
Start Your Day Right
Your morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. To minimize stress and begin your day focused, create a routine that works for you. This may involve waking up earlier to avoid rushing, preparing the night before or incorporating stress-reducing activities like exercise or meditation. Don’t forget to fuel your body with a healthy start to boost your energy and productivity.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Blocking time in your calendar to work on projects is a great way to protect your time and attention. Stepping away from continuous calls or work you’ve been intensely focused on for an extended period clears your mind and lets you come back to it with a more critical eye. And if you find yourself hitting a wall with a particular task, don’t be afraid to switch gears and tackle something else. This can help keep your mind nimble and prevent frustration from setting in.
Unplug During Your Breaks
Standing up and walking away from a task periodically is good practice. Step away from your desk and all screens for a quick walk, some fresh air or a bit of stretching. This brief digital detox can help you regain perspective, reduce eye strain and return to work with renewed focus and energy.
Lean On Your Work Community
When you run into a challenge on the job, one of your coworkers has likely been in a similar situation, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you’re feeling overloaded, the transparency of needing and asking for help, and offering the same to colleagues, goes a long way toward building community and improving the morale of both you and the team. It can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.
Set Boundaries
Aim to wrap up your day when you leave the office or, if you work remotely, when you’ve put in your designated hours. If you’re feeling pressured to be available around the clock, it’s time to have an honest conversation with your manager. Discuss how the constant demands impact your stress levels and emphasize the significance of work-life balance for your productivity and job satisfaction. Your personal time is just as valuable as your professional commitments, so protect it.
Don’t Forget Your Manager When You Need Help
Struggling with your workload? Discuss solutions with your manager. These could include delegating tasks, adjusting deadlines or bringing in additional resources to lighten the load. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and knowing your limits.
Don’t Neglect Your ‘Me Time’
Make sure to carve out time for activities that you enjoy the most. Maybe it’s listening to your favorite kind of music or pursuing physical activities such as sports. Prioritize the things that make you feel good.
Your administrative career isn’t a sprint – it’s more like a marathon. And just like a long-distance runner, you’ll need to pace yourself, look after your mind and body and draw strength from your support network when the going gets tough. Your success is worth the effort.
