Do you know that too? No time to relax? No time for a vacation? Because there is so much to do? So many decisions to make every day that no one else can make? Why a break from the professional hamster wheel is an investment in your own health and professional future for managers
Diagnosis: Gastritis
My annoying stomach ache turned out to be gastritis. I was really perplexed when my GP cautiously asked me what I was doing at the moment. Because: I should reduce stress. Change my diet to foods that are easy on the stomach. Do relaxation techniques. So that my stomach lining can recover quickly.
How? Doing what? Me? Young, dynamic, indestructible?
Clearly, my body has given me the big stop sign. And signaled to me - you can't go on like this, young lady!
Just one year as team leader and under constant stress. At the age of 24. Because fear and pressure were my constant companions: fear of failure. Pressure to achieve the agreed targets. Fear of not implementing the specifications correctly. Fear that my team members wouldn't do what I said. Fear of making the wrong decision. The pressure on me was immense.
At the age of 23, I took the plunge into the deep end from clerk to team leader - from specialist to manager - and dared to take the plunge when the opportunity arose. And a year later? I was totally overwhelmed. Relaxation? No way!
So what to do? Just ignore the stop sign, drive over it and carry on as before? When potato chips and the couch have become your best friends? Pop a few pills - and all is well?
No. Not with me! I was and am far too solution-oriented for that and like to get to the root of the problem. So root cause research. Research. Listening to my GP about what I could do differently to take better care of myself. And ... implementation.
What has helped me in the long term?
- My change in diet with regular meals
- Realizing that potato chips and the couch and TV are not the best of friends after all - no matter how temptingly they beckon
- Autogenic training
- Nordic walking
- Regular, short breaks
Today I know that as a manager you have a lot on your plate - meetings, customer appointments, staff appraisals and much more. The pressure can be immense. And yes, there is often little time for relaxation and recuperation.
There is often little time for rest and relaxation
Especially in this extremely stressful environment as a manager, it is particularly important to switch off regularly, take care of yourself and your body, relax and take a vacation. Because in the long term, high levels of stress and pressure lead to burnout and a number of other health problems. These are a burden and have a negative impact on the quality of life and work.
Why is relaxation important?
What are the benefits of regularly scheduling and allowing yourself time to relax as a manager or boss?
- Your general well-being improves. Your mind calms down and your sleep improves. Both will help you to concentrate better and improve your work performance.
- Your stress level decreases. Regular massages, sauna visits, relaxation baths, cycling, dancing, running sessions, yoga etc. help to reduce the stress hormones in your body that would otherwise lead to burnout.
- Your relationships improve. Whether with colleagues, employees or your loved ones at home, you are simply more relaxed and react more prudently when you allow yourself regular breaks from the hectic hamster wheel of everyday life.
Everyone has very individual needs and preferences. That's why it's important to find the relaxation techniques that best suit you and your everyday life.
What relaxation exercises are there?
There are many types of relaxation techniques that managers can use. Here are some suggestions:
- Yoga
- walks
- Pilates
- Hiking in nature
- Breathing exercises
- Autogenic training
- Meditation
- Nordic walking
- Massages
- Swimming
- Relaxation baths
- Cycling
- Acupuncture or acupressure
Or simply take advantage of the upcoming summer months and vacations and go on vacation! Give your body a break and recharge your batteries. So that you can confidently leave your worries and tensions behind and relax completely. Reduce the stress hormones in your body and say "yes" to sporting activities and wellness offers.
Get inspiration from new impressions and encounters. Say "Adios" to operational blindness and discover valuable impulses and surprising perspectives. A vacation, a break from challenging everyday life, is NOT a waste of time!
It is an investment in your own health and professional future, especially for managers. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
