Get a punching bag, it could SAVE YOUR LIFE!
As new(er) managers there is so much to learn, process and handle that it is quite normal to feel some moments of stress and overwhelm. It is sustained levels of these two that will create havoc in your body. Learn early how to maintain an even keel, let thoughts and emotions go that don’t serve you and find that inner peace and you will have a very rich experience in Leadership. Don’t learn and your Leadership journey will be miserable. Spend time working on yourself!
STRESS
a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances
OVERWHELM
buried beneath a huge mass, defeat completely, have a strong emotional effect on, be too strong for; overpower
Stress is the body's reaction to harmful situations -- whether they’re real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises. You’ve gotten ready to act. It is how you protect yourself.
And, not all stress is bad. In small doses, stress can help you accomplish tasks and prevent you from getting hurt. Our bodies are designed to handle small doses of stress. But, we are not equipped to handle long-term, chronic stress without ill consequences.
Something overwhelming is very intense and hard to deal with: causes people to be worried and stressed out. Too much to bear and not enough energy or power to overcome.
Possible feelings and symptoms, use this to give yourself a quick check up:
Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
Avoiding others
Low energy
Insomnia
Frequent colds & infections
Constant worrying
Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness and disorganization
Inability to focus
Poor judgment
Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
SOOOOOOO, here’s the thing, you need to become hyper aware of yourself and how you process the events of your life. Understanding and separating what you can control and what you can’t, how you really feel and what actions are the correct ones.
There is no point worrying about something that you have no control over!! (Preaching to the choir here as I can have myself off in the weeds in a hot moment if I’m not careful 😝) Mindset is huge and also being open with yourself and discovering how you’re wired will help you process in a healthy way.
Sustained high levels of stress WILL absolutely take a toll on your body and mind. It is something you need to take seriously so that you give yourself the best opportunity to succeed in your job and life.
If you’re feeling stress or overwhelm, stop, write it down, describe it and then start listing anything that you can actually do to fix, alleviate, end or help the situation. So often you’ll find that there is nothing you can do or should do, and you need to let it go.
Learn to say No! Learn to clarify so you understand expectations completely and can address any that are unreasonable or confusing.
Be kind to yourself! It will take time to settle in to your new role. Smile. Breathe. Relax and Let Go.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
Back to Human – Dan Schawbel
Dare to Lead – Brene Brown
The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown
Emotional Grit – Neeta Bhushan