The business world can feel like a place of constant pressure and complexity. We hate stress so much (because it sucks) but, at work, it can sometimes feel like addressing and dealing with stress is the way to meet deadlines and produce results.
However, stress should always be addressed, as dealing with it can lead to burnout – a valid health condition,
In this post, learn why it’s important to stay calm under pressure and strategies to stay calm.
Why is it important to remain calm under pressure at work?
justin menkesauthor of better under pressure, says that it is not the pressure in itself that is bad, but the pressure that becomes nervous. “There’s a lot of research that shows that a moderate amount of pressure is important for human satisfaction and satisfaction, otherwise we get too restless. We like a challenge; that’s what a lot of people are talking about when they say ‘unhealthy’.” Pressure.’
The key is to handle the pressure without panicking, and here are tips and expert advice for doing just that.
how to stay calm under pressure at work
1. Organize your priorities.
Staying organized at work is a great way to stay calm under pressure. Create to-do lists to highlight the most urgent tasks and create an organized way to tackle your responsibilities so you don’t get overwhelmed.
For example, in the face of an upcoming deadline, you can list the tasks and their dependencies, organize them by importance, and create a structure to help you meet your deadline.
Alison Elworthy, EVP of Revenue Operations at HubSpot, says, “For me, it’s all about staying organized and being prepared to deal with stressful situations. I approach it like any other big project I can tackle at work and even create a project plan to get through it, as simple as it seems.
2. Think of the satisfaction of future results.
Thinking about future benefits can help you have a more positive outlook on your present if you remember that good things are still to come.
For example, you may be rushing to finalize a marketing campaign for a new product, but you are caught up in the rest of your work. Launching a campaign and seeing ROI can be incredibly satisfying and a valuable motivator, so taking the time to think about the outcome of your actions can be helpful.
3. Break down big tasks.
Dharmesh Shah, HubSpot’s founder and CTO, says, “Usually, I feel the most pressure when there seems to be a big overwhelming problem at hand. My strategy for tackling it is breaking the big problem into smaller, smaller parts.” is to ‘disintegrate’ into .size pieces. Each one, the little things seem surmountable on their own, and it gives me peace of mind to know that if I conquered all those little things, I would have essentially You have conquered a great thing.
Breaking down large tasks can help you feel like your responsibilities are completely manageable and that you have what it takes to get them done.
4. Reach out to people on your team.
Your colleagues and managers are there to help and support you at work. They can offer fresh perspectives, act as a sounding board for your ideas, and offer advice on your processes.
So, if you’re feeling a little stressed at work, reaching out to people on your team can be a basic and helpful strategy.
5. Take a break.
Taking a break can help you get away from the stress that’s affecting your work, and taking a step away to focus on something else and let your thoughts wander can help you clear your mind.
Everyone decompresses in different ways, but there are a few types of breaks to consider:
- Take a walk around the office or step outside for a change of scenery.
- Socialize and catch up with co-workers.
- To have breakfast
- Taking up another job or starting a new job.
6. Focus on the now.
When you’re feeling stressed, it’s easy to think about the future, whether you’re worried about an upcoming presentation or a deadline to meet. This thinking can take up a lot of time and can actually make you more stressed.
While it’s easier said than done, focusing on your present day can be grounding because there’s work to be done in the present, and, in some cases, doing it now will better prepare you for what’s to come. Can do.
“You almost need tunnel vision to ignore all the outside noise that can create a stressful situation,” says Mike Volpe, former CMO of HubSpot. Focusing on the things you need to do today can distract you from your overall stress.
7. Build your ideal work environment.
A work environment that you are comfortable in and that is conducive to your productivity can help you deal with stress and pressure at work. Being around things you enjoy can be grounding, and being in a space you’re excited about can get you excited about work.
Maybe having plans and greenery on your desk makes you feel inspired and excited, or maybe it’s a more personal touch such as photos of loved ones. Everything you incorporate into your space should help you feel comfortable.
8. Prioritize work-life balance.
Work-life balance is important to many working professionals, as it ensures that work stressors are checked at the door and replaced with personal hobbies and activities that bring enjoyment uninterrupted by the demands of the job.
When it comes to staying calm under pressure, stepping away and enjoying things outside of work can help you feel relaxed and balanced, and prevent stress from dominating all aspects of your life.
Former HubSpot CRO Mark Robert says, “My key to staying calm in high-pressure roles is disciplined prioritization and maintaining a balance between my personal and professional life… I always prioritize activities that reduce my stress. controls.”
Roberts says he runs, meditates, plays the guitar and avoids work on weekends to not compromise time with his family. “Squeezing in one more meeting or one more email at the expense of these balanced activities quickly leads to burnout,” and burnout is never worth it.
