By Julie Morris, Life and Career Coach
Letting go of stress when you’re a busy professional is never easy. If you’re in the dental field, you probably already know how much stress and anxiety can affect you on a given day with so many people counting on you to help them. The mental and physical fatigue that can come with job stress can take a huge toll on your mood and your health, so it’s imperative to look for ways to reduce those feelings and focus on the things that matter most.
One of the best ways to do this is to get organized. Figure out what priorities need your attention first and make lists, checking off your tasks as you complete them so that nothing gets overlooked. Then, look for ways you can take a time out during your day to focus on yourself. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time, learning to take care of your own needs even as you’re doing your job can help you learn a healthy balance that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Get organized
Declutter. Keep a journal or planner. Make sure you have contact information for your clients in one spot, where it will be easy to find. Getting organized means making your life easier, and it can help you become better at what you do while simultaneously reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with working long hours or being your own boss. Take the time to make sure your calendar is up to date so you can keep track of your engagements and keep communication open with your family members so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your time. This is especially important if you’re working from home.
Manage your time and money wisely
Good time management is the mark of a professional, and it will allow you to stay on top of your responsibilities while reducing the stress that comes with a busy week. It’s nearly impossible to stay calm and focused when you’re rushed to complete jobs, so sit down and work out a timetable for each project you have on your plate and think of ways you can ensure they’re done without delay. Hint: The solution will rarely be to work more hours or take on more tasks.
Typically, the answer to better time management is actually better money management. Maybe you need to hire more staff, invest in better equipment or increase your efficiency. While the thought of taking out a loan can be stressful, it’s more than just another payment. With proper planning and implementation of resources, more capital means more business. Qualified employees can free up your time by completing tasks that steal your time — like bookkeeping or answering phones — and allow you to take on more projects. It also can mean faster, more efficient equipment or increased inventory so you can sell more, faster. In the end, any of these investments can mean less stress for you.
Outsource
When it comes to managing your time, it’s also a good idea to outsource tasks at home. Some days, there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done without sacrificing eating and sleeping, and that’s when it’s necessary to hire someone to help out. Whether it’s to assist with your lawn work, cleaning your house, running errands or walking your dog, there are companies that can assist you for a reasonable fee. Look online for your specific needs to find one in your area.
Take care of yourself
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to take good care of yourself. From eating right to getting daily exercise, it’s important to make sure your body and mind are in good shape. If you’re a dental professional, this can be difficult when you work long hours, so make an effort to keep healthy snacks at your desk, and work in some activity during the day. Get up, walk around the office, do some stretches at your desk, or run up and down the stairs a few times to get your heart rate up. These small actions will help relieve stress and will keep you feeling good at the same time.
Getting rid of stress isn’t always easy, especially when you’re working long hours to achieve your goals. However, it’s important to look for small ways you can change your lifestyle so that the stress doesn’t take over. With a good plan, you can start feeling better in no time.
Julie Morris is a life and career coach. More information can be found on her website at juliemorris.org.
Beyond the Bite 