Feeling Stressed?

Stress is an almost inevitable part of an account manager’s life, especially as demands on our time increases. I dread to think how much of my career has been spent running on adrenalin and feeling stressed. Whether it’s meeting a client deadline, preparing for a difficult meeting or working on a pitch, stress is never far away. I have however learnt some effective ways of dealing with it (and coffee isn’t one of them!)

Some short-term solutions:

1. First of all it’s ok to feel stressed. It’s not a sign of weakness, so ask for help if you need it. Speak to your HR Manager, your boss or a colleague.

2. If you need to have a difficult conversation with a client or colleague ask one of the aforementioned people to coach you through it.

3. Get someone to look at your work or problem with a fresh pair of eyes & be open to feedback. The phrase ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’ resonates with me when I am up against it. Having someone look at my work often gives me the reassurance or advice that I need to reduce my stress levels.

4. If you’re feeling overwhelmed take a walk, whether it’s walking (part of the way) to work or for fifteen minutes around the block during the day. Take deep breathes, think of a ‘happy place’ and just take some ‘time out’ to clear your head.

5. Eat well – It’s tempting to reach for the sweets and coffee but that’s not going to help your stress levels. Drink lots of water and plenty of protein. Nuts, berries and green tea are also effective stress-busting foods. (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/01/21/foods-for-stress_n_4639043.html)

6. For a longer-term solution: NABS has implemented a range of services designed to tackle head-on the issue of stress in our industry. Take a look at;

www.nabs.org.uk/images/stories/Forms/NABS_RESILIENCE_BROCHURE_EMAILABLE.pdf. They can be contacted for free confidential advice: 0800 707 6607.