We’re back from New York City and yikes what a trip. One thing I will always say about the city (and when I say “the city” I mean Manhattan) is that it can be really stressful sometimes! There are millions of people, everything is fast paced and if you slow down for one second you can get left behind or jolted into a place you don’t want to be. Metaphorically, this could also apply to life in general, especially in the next couple of months (Bateman! Stage Management! Classes! Internship! Job search!). My life is going to be incredibly fast paced and I know there will be times where I want to shout, “Stop the ride! I want to get off!”
Life, of course, won’t stop, but there are ways to make it less stressful.
1.) Learn to Say No.
My friends and I have a bad habit of taking on every task that is offered to us to the point of being overwhelmed in a puddle of stress-induced tears. The sad thing about it all is that we do this to ourselves! When people ask you if you can do something, they don’t realize that three other people may have also asked you to do things on top of the things that you need to take care of for yourself. It’s okay to say no if you’re overworked or suggest someone else who is just as capable of doing the job, or better yet just ask for help.
2.) UnPlug.
Our phones and laptops are filled with email updates, texts, and new reports, and let’s face it—sometimes those things are the primary cause of stress. Being in PR, it’s impossible to say to take a whole day off from technology, but taking a half hour off or choosing a time when you’ll stop checking emails until the next morning (like 11 p.m.) can help make all the difference.
3.) Recharge.
Sometimes, I get caught up in work and say I’ll eat or sleep once I’m finished with whatever I’m working on, but what I think will only be a few minutes can quickly turn into a couple of hours. Nothing is worse than being hangry (hungry plus angry) and there is rarely a time when you should should choose insanity over sleep. Food and sleep recharge your body—depriving it of a quick charge, even if it’s just a snack or a power nap, is the last thing you should do when you’re stressed up.
4.) Breathe.
Worse comes to worse those first three options might fail and you’ll still find yourself in a panic with everything that you need to do. It’s okay to panic, but don’t forget to breathe. It’s really simple, but sitting aside and inhaling and exhaling for 7 seconds each a couple of times helps bring down the anxiety that may have built up at this point.
5.) Treat Yo Self.
If you finally finished a project that all of your time and dedication and mental health, congratulate yourself for your hard work before you jump onto the next project. It sucks when people don’t acknowledge all the hard work you’ve put into a project, but it’s even worse when you’re one of those people! Even if it’s a congratulatory nap, shopping spree or a Me Party, nothing is more important that taking care of you.
TJ Digital Creative 