Summer is quickly approaching and although for many the additional sunshine and outdoor lunches are relaxing enough, for the typical school administrator, these seasonal luxuries bring very little comfort. It’s the end of the school year. Graduation season, prom season, enrollment season, financial aid season … it’s pure insanity in your office!
With everything running at maximum speed, it’s important that you don’t run yourself into the ground. Stress isn’t healthy. It reeks havoc on your entire being—emotionally, physically, and spirituality—and your team needs you right now! Here are a few tips and techniques for destressing in the office so you keep going 1,000 miles an hour without burning yourself out.
Take a break. Yes, we said it—simply walk away for a few minutes. Your work will still be there when you return. Grab a few breaths of fresh air, get a glass of water, or just walk down the hall and back. By giving your mind a rest, you’re giving yourself a moment to recharge.
Take things one at a time. We all multitask. You’re in the middle of something and someone asks you to assist with something else and while doing that you’re asked for input on another situation and while you’re trying to collect your thoughts … see where we’re headed with this one? Slow down. Take a breath. One thing at a time allows you to give 100% of your energy and promises a job well done.
Make time to laugh. Laughing is a natural tension releaser. It helps your breathing, which helps calm the body. Take a moment to read an online comic or watch a quick YouTube video—you’ll be thankful afterwards.
Set a stopping time. Private school administrators are known for long work weeks. It’s not uncommon for key administrators (and faculty) to work 65+ hours in a week. However, you need to set limits. Balance is important to our mental state and that includes quality time away from the office. Set limits and make a promise to yourself that you won’t exceed them.
Have a to-do list. Organization helps lessen frustrations and stresses. Make yourself a to-do list allotting the most time to your highest priority task. Try to give a time span to each project on your list, but don’t fret if something takes longer than you anticipated.
Get to know your HR Manager. If your school is fortunate enough to have a full-time HR Manager, take a moment to get to know him or her. HR Managers are known for their amazing ability to assist (especially if you’re having issues with another employee) with just about anything. They’re great listeners, advice givers, and motivational boosters.
Eat something healthy. It’s true what they say—you are what you eat. The more healthy foods you feed your body, the more healthy energy it can exert.
Compose a mantra. Devise a short, clear, positive statement that focuses on your coping abilities. Affirmations silence that critical voice in your head that drives stress. In those moments when you feel completely paralyzed, try repeating, “I am calm. I can handle this.”
Have an aromatherapy moment. Scents such as lavender, chamomile, rose, thyme, basil, bay, and eucalyptus are calming to the mind and body. And, you don’t have to burn a candle to endulge. Health stores sell oils that you can dab onto fabric or splash on a small chunk of rock salt. A few deep inhales should do the trick and you don’t even have to move away from your desk.
Put on your headphones. Music can do anything from slow your heart rate to increase endorphins. As they say, “music soothes the beast.”
Additional ISM articles of interest
ISM Monthly Update for Admission Officers Vol. 9 No. 5 Reduce Stress and Increase Memory
ISM Monthly Update for Business Officers Vol. 10 No. 2 Learn To Relax Now To Avoid Future Long-Term Disability
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 8 No. 9 Journaling Isn’t Just Personal
Additional ISM articles for Consortium Gold members
To The Point Vol. 15 No. 7 More Time, Less Stress: It's All in the Schedule!
To The Point Vol. 7 No. 1 Spring's On The Way ... Is Your Stress Starting To Show
