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Last week was a strange week for me. I had a few things going on that really flattened my mood and energy levels. It’s really unusual for that to happen, even for a day, for me, but I was running at about 60% all week.

Knowing that I was under pressure I had to summon up all my effort to do the basic things and put off a few tasks that I know I could ‘slide’ a bit. I decided to squeeze some time to get my head straight so went out on the motorbike, went to the gym (effort!) and managed to decompress a bit. I wasn’t at my best though!

 I think it is good to recognise when you are feeling pressure, but that alone is not enough, you need to do something about it. Fortunately I had the space in my week to ‘unload’ but I can only imagine that if I had a full, busy week, it would have added more pressure and things could have started to build.

With employee wellbeing becoming a hotter topic and mental health getting into the headlines, we are realising that people are feeling stressed and it is taking its toll in organisations. It can impact performance and maybe even attendance but, more importantly, it can result in breakdowns and health related issues for employees. This, in turn, can cost a business in terms of sickness, absenteeism, conflicts and personnel issues – HR and recruitment get very busy!

So what can we do about it? Well the first thing to do is to recognise where you are regarding your stress levels. Is it helpful pressure that gets you to perform at your best or it it de-stress, which is hindering your ability to concentrate, prioritise and function? 

How far are you away from the tipping point?

Here are a few things that could help:

  • Get your blood pressure checked. Raise your self awareness – how are you feeling? 
  • Work out your coping mechanism (Walking, gym, breathing techniques, listening to music)
  • Speak to someone and share how you are feeling – ask for help.
  • Look to take the pressure off. What can you delegate or say no to?
  • Plan in, and take, a short breaks on a regular basis.

I know these all sound easy, and they are, but if you are running fast on the treadmill it is sometimes hard to press the ‘slow down button’. Expectations are high, demands are constant with deadlines pushing you to the edge.

One thing is clear though – you are no good to anyone if you get sick or even worse have a heart attack, so first things first, put yourself at the top of the list and do something about it.

Have a great week – relax and stay calm!

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