What do you do if your stress levels are soaring in corporate communications?

Stress in corporate communications can sometimes be self-induced. The demands of this profession are vast, sometimes quite time consuming and also conflicting. Managing multiple stakeholders, timezones and team members puts pressure on leaders which often gets dissipated among the team. A morning huddle for planned tasks helps to balance and set expectations and repriotizise if required. Planning ahead and organizing are so vital and this aids productivity, which in turn brings in speed and efficiencies.

It's imperative to proactively address soaring stress levels without letting them linger. Recognise the sources of stress, such as tight deadlines or interpersonal conflicts, and prioritise tasks accordingly. Delegate when feasible and establish achievable expectations. Integrate stress-relief practices like deep breathing and mindfulness into your daily routine, taking brief breaks as needed. Maintain open communication with colleagues or supervisors regarding workload concerns and set boundaries to preserve work-life balance. Engage in activities outside of work that promote relaxation and well-being. Remember, effectively managing stress is crucial for sustaining productivity and job satisfaction.

Sometimes stress sneaks up on us, but spotting the spark can put you back in the driver's seat. Learn to approach challenges with clarity and composure - be aware and attentive to what's happening right now without getting swept away by worries about the past or future.

If stress levels are soaring in your corporate communications role, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage and mitigate stress. Start by prioritizing tasks and setting realistic deadlines. Delegate where possible to balance the workload. Make time for regular breaks throughout the day to recharge, even if it's just a short walk or a few minutes of meditation. Communicate openly with your manager about your stressors; they may offer solutions or adjustments. Additionally, consider engaging in stress management workshops or sessions that focus on resilience training. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial, so ensure you have downtime scheduled to unwind and disconnect from work pressures.

Always plan with the result in mind. Whether short term or long term, highly significant or less significant, anticipate.. WHAT IF, ahead of the activity. Sensitize the team, so they are prepared. Triggers are simply part of the game and so is preparing for them.

In setting boundaries, you can consider creating a "no work emails after hours" rule to protect your personal time. Additionally, practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to stay grounded during busy periods. Your well-being is just as important as your work.

Your ability to identify and prioritise tasks will steer the setting boundaries Principle. Most of the time, it is a challenge in the corporate world, but how you react to "no boundaries" can make a difference. If you feel, a task can wait until tomorrow..listen in, but act on it in a cool manner the next day and explain later. However, assure the stakeholder, that it will be taken care of.

Let's face it, few of us got into Communications because we are great project managers. But there are people with exactly those skills, who enjoy and thrive in environments where they get to corral resource, jockey teams, and get stuff done. I've helped introduce project management as a specialism at several agencies and with great results: people gain better visibility of what is expected from them when, are able to focus on getting things done in the right priority, and stop putting effort into what's not important. Sure, adding a project manager into an account or project team can add costs, but your stakeholders, clients, and team members will thank you in spades for freeing people up to focus on what they were hired for and great at.

If you plan and start with the end in mind.. it allows you to move with the flow, even if many tasks are delegated..that also helps you understand the criticality of the task. A plan, that keeps you aware of the criticality and progress, helps you prioritise better and add or delete from your list, when surprises are sprung at you.

It's like putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others. You need to find outlets that aren't work related that will help you manage your stress when you're on the clock. It can take on many different activities, like volunteering, traveling, exercising, journaling, and so on. The activity itself doesn't really matter. What matters is it's something you find joy in doing, and you intentionally find the time to do it regularly.

Some studies suggest our most brilliant ideas emerge when we are not thinking. If your mind is constantly stressed with work, it's essential to take some time to relax and engage in activities that bring you joy, even if it means simply sitting on a park bench. This practice will stimulate your mind with pleasurable experiences and increase your overall work productivity and creativity.

Regular stand ups and check- ins to evaluate the progress is of great help. Quick stakeholder feedback on high priority items on the progress of your project is of great practice. Raising a red flag sooner, if you feel off track, can save that anxiety and stress.

Self-care is a must for anyone, but it's especially important for those in the communications profession. We often act as everything to everyone at any time, and it's exhausting. Taking a few minutes at the end of each day or sometimes in the middle of particularly overwhelming tasks is essential. It can be as quick as a five-minute walk, an extra thirty minutes on your lunch break, or, in my personal preference, putting on your favorite music for a much-needed dance break. While you're giving your all to work, don't forget yourself; after all, it's YOUR story, and it's easy to forget that amid our day-to-day tasks.

Always an option .Diversity of thoughts and perspectives, when you need them the most ..should never be postponed nor should one hesitate.

You are not alone! The organization exists to support and excel through teamwork and collaboration. Reach out, collaborate, join hands, offer quid pro quo, buy a favour. Nothing works like assimilation. And don’t forget to meditate…

Seeking support can significantly improve stress levels : - Sharing your concerns and challenges with supportive colleagues or mentors can serve as an emotional outlet. -Seeking support allows you to validate your experiences and feelings. - Supportive individuals can offer fresh perspectives on the situations causing stress. - Collaborating with others can facilitate problem-solving. Brainstorming solutions together with supportive colleagues can lead to practical strategies for managing stressors in corporate communications more effectively. - Seeking support can help you develop coping strategies and resilience skills. - Knowing that you have support from colleagues or mentors can boost your confidence.