Effective Stress Management for CEOs

by / ⠀Career Advice• Entrepreneurship / October 3, 2022
effective stress management
Stress is everywhere—among CEOs and employees alike—with a recent survey by The Marcum LLP and Hofstra University School of Business indicating that top executives are worried about issues like employee retention and elevated stress levels among employees. Almost three-quarters of executives offer assistance to employees experiencing high-stress levels, but CEOs are by no means immune to mental challenges. Forbes has also reported that CEOs’ lifespans decrease by 1.5 years when they experience industry-wide stress. So, effective stress management for CEOs is not only smart, it can extend your life. Valuing your health is key in times of inflation when being your best, most creative, strategic self is called for. Below are just a few proven ways to embrace a greater sense of calm.

Building Positive Relationships with Employees

Research conducted at the BI Norwegian Business School has found that managers who enjoy good working relationships with their staff have less dangerous stress at work. The study, undertaken on 3,000 managers, showed that managers also experience less pressure when they have control of their work situation and freedom to make decisions. One of the factors that worry them the most, meanwhile, is working with a high degree of unpredictability and experiencing many changes in the course of the previous year. Head researcher, Astrid Richardsen, stated that “The best thing a manager can do to prevent work stress, is to develop good relationships with the employees.” In order to achieve this goal, ensure your employees understand your challenges and play an active role in solving problems. Trust them, delegate tasks to them if necessary, and watch your pressure decrease.
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Learn How to Breathe

One trend among executives involves completing breathwork courses that incorporate mindfulness elements from other disciplines (like yoga and Tai Chi). Controlled breathing shows affective at boosting attention and reducing negative thought patterns and stress in adults. It additionally calms the brain, regulates your blood pressure, and improves your memory. It can also improve your immunity and enhance your metabolism of energy. This is owing to the fact that it helps your body control the “fight or flight” response. The latter, when activated for long periods, can cause stress, anxiety, inflammation, and heart disease. Start out by downloading the Breathe app. It is an excellent aid to use while you are trying out new techniques like belly breathing. To do this exercise, expand your belly when you inhale instead of your chest, breathing in through your nose. Exhale the air very slowly, noticing your belly return to its normal position.

Embracing Mindfulness

Mindfulness-focused activities such as yoga and mindfulness meditation have taken the health and wellness sectors by storm. Numerous studies show their ability to nip even high levels of stress in the bud. Research by Oregon State University researchers has found that even if you are tired and lack sleep, mindfulness exercises can help compensate. Aim for at least 10 minutes a day of mindfulness practices. You can use apps like Calm or Headspace (which provide a plethora of short yet effective mindfulness exercises).  If times are tough in your industry, make stress management for CEOs and everyone a priority. Research indicates that one of the most effective ways of doing so is building healthy relationships with your staff. Working on your breathing and trying mindfulness exercises create tried-and-tested means of embracing a sense of calm while boosting your memory and attention.

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