Overwhelmed as a Leader? Tips to Manage Stress
Are you feeling overwhelmed as a leader?
Some days can be challenging, and it can start before you stumble out of bed! Your phone starts ringing, and one of your team members is sick and not coming in. Your mind starts to think about all the scenarios for how you will juggle the schedule. You get up, get ready, rush out the door, and head to work.
My kids are grown, but I remember “all the things” trying to get the kids to daycare/school. You walk through the doors at work and start greeting everyone. “Good Morning!”
You almost make it to your desk before you are stopped. “Hey, my TV monitor isn’t working. Can you fix it? I have an extensive treatment plan to go over with my first patient, and I am going to need it working.”
Your phone dings again. It’s another team member who is going to be late.
You have payroll due first and a phone meeting in an hour with some random solicitor you just couldn’t say no to the week prior. They have promised you an increase in productivity if you integrate their software, so you think you need to listen at least, right?
You walk into your office and see papers stacked on your desk where you left early the day before (for a work meeting), BUT now you need to drop everything and work at the front desk to cover the team member who is going to be late AND figure out the schedule for the team member who is out sick.
You have to reschedule or, better yet, just cancel the solicitation phone meeting, all while trying to get the TV monitor fixed and work on payroll!! And this is all before you unlock the front doors!
Does this sound familiar?
Of course, this isn’t every day. But if you have several of these overwhelming days over time, it can get to you, and I can attest! Your blood pressure skyrockets, your heart rate increases, you think an elephant is sitting on your chest, your body gets hot, and you have chills.
I am sharing my story hoping I can help someone going through some of the same things I experienced. You’re not alone.
I explored and found some things that worked for me that might also be helpful for you.
Prioritize
We do not have to complete everything by the end of the day. Start with the most important items and work through your “to-do” list.
Delegate
We all have rock-star team members. What you can give to others to complete is no longer on your plate. Several outsourcing companies provide almost anything we need.
Stay Organized
Utilize calendars and planners to stay on top of things. Make time to have a clean desk at the end of the day and plan for the next day so you are prepared.
Work/Life Balance
If at all possible, do not take work home. Emails/paperwork and phone calls can wait.
As managers, we may always need to be available to communicate when team members have schedule changes. However, if anything can wait until the next business day, we need to learn how to politely say, “Thank you for reaching out; let’s talk about this tomorrow.”
Finding balance will help you be rested, focused, and ready to tackle these overwhelming days….
Just Breathe
Take time for yourself!
Make sure you are taking care of yourself. There are many things we can do to relax and decompress after a hard day. We can go to the gym, walk, take a long hot bath, get a massage, talk with family and friends—the list is endless.
I love my job and the career path I chose. I’ve learned to find a balance between work and taking care of myself, so the early morning dings are not so bad.
About the Author
Julie Burns, MAADOM
Julie manages three dental offices in Nelson County, KY, and has over 25 years of experience in the dental field.
She is a lifetime AADOM member and was inducted into the 2020 Class of AADOM Fellows. Julie received her AADOM Mastership (MAADOM) in 2024.
