With an election behind us, Thanksgiving around the corner, and the push to meet end-of-year goals, this is a stressful and exhausting time, personally and professionally. Rather than give up and accept that this has to be a hard time, there are some strategies we can use to create more ease.
How do we manage ourselves and others during chaotic times?
Be honest and set realistic expectations. Now is the time to revisit our many to-do lists and determine what needs to be moved to the to-don’t list for the rest of 2024. We know that setting realistic expectations is necessary, but in the day-to-day busyness of life, it can be hard to pause and take the time needed to review and reset our priorities for this moment in time.
Respond rather than react. The pressure to always have an answer or guide others leads us to offer quick reactions rather than thoughtful responses. Taking a moment to pause and sort through the circumstances and what is needed in that moment takes longer, but it is also more likely to yield a better, more meaningful answer.
Incorporate rest and play. While rest is the antithesis of our busy culture, it’s necessary for our well-being. For those who have trouble doing something that isn’t “productive,” consider resting as a way to boost your productivity. Engaging in play is one of the best ways to reduce stress and increase our creativity. As adults, it can be hard to decide how to play when we have so many responsibilities. Carving out time to do something simple that brings joy will make the turbulent times easier.
What strategies are you using to create ease during stressful times? We’d love to hear from you!
