How can you reduce stress as a creative professional?

I suggest starting with the three top triggers of stress in your life. Taking things in smaller doses helps you to focus on what you can adjust (not necessarily change) to get back some much-needed downtime. When our devices run dry, we plug them in for a recharge. What do we do for our most vulnerable commodity - the human body? Is it time for a #timeout?

Stress is an inevitable part of creative life. It's often said that creative tension is the driver of innovation - and that can come with pressure to perform. But that inevitability doesn't mean that you need to live with stress. I've spend 25 years working in and running creative services businesses and the last 6 years as a board advisor. I have seen first hand the impact of persistent stress on creatives and creative businesses. My experience tells me that much of this "emotional overdraft" (the stress caused by taking the pressure on yourself) is avoidable by changing specific behaviours. And the key to that is to become aware of the stress and then to give it a name. Only then you can start to address the underlying issues.

Stress is an integral, important part of your life, and it has a specific purpose. When you know how to use it to your advantage, managing and reducing stress becomes a significant tool to attain higher performance and optimal health and wellbeing. One guaranteed way to increase stress is to stress about it. Just reading about its devastating health effects is enough to make you take note. We set unrealistic goals to be stress-free. Rather than eliminating stress, which is impossible and foolish, let’s focus on minimizing its harmful effects.

In many cases the restistance to what you experiance drains the energy you need to be able to coop/deal with the situation. Try this: say to your self -”It’s all right to feel like this” Do this until you feel that you can accept your reaction to the situation. Then take action and do something that move you in the right direction.

First and foremost it is crucial to understand what stress is: it is your reaction to what you perceive as an overwhelming demand. Recognising that stress is a genetic and endocrinological reaction to (perceived) demands, you have a better chance of regaining control. It is also vital to realise that we are naturally wired to react to both, real and psychological stressors. However, with conscious training and self-reflection it is possible to overcome these challenges. When identifying stressors, being attuned to physical symptoms like headaches and changes in sleep patterns, as well as emotional indicators, such as irritability, can lead to transformative insights.

We are bombarded with information and suggestions and it's no surprise when we wonder what is the most important things to be done. "Priorities change from hour to hour and even from minute to minute", teaches Mrs Tzipa Lopian a"h. Ask every morning "What requires my attention in my business and life today?" This is from Gary Douglas, of Access Consciousness. Let that question percolate in your mind. This way you will become more aware, and more able to focus your efforts on that which is relevant to you.

You may have heard it said, "Goals are dreams with dates attached". Len Matheson, a PhD Psychologist and Neuroscientist is a friend and colleague. His counseling practice, workshops, and articles about goals can be very helpful. Realistic goals are what he refers to as "Goaling". He has convinced me that goaling needs never end. In fact, it becomes a series of "just right challenges". A "just right challenge," is another term he shares with thousands of people through his programs. A just right challenge is something just beyond what you are comfortable doing. Try using "just right challenges". They can accelerate your progress toward a specific goal. It also facilitates you finding more of your full potential. Dr. Len, a great resource.

Nike had a great one when they told us to “Just Do It!” I try not to think to long about my priorities for the day, or I might talk myself out of what I already know to be my most important goals. And the powerful questions and prompts of coaching help me when I’m not sure: What went well this past week & why? My current opportunities: My key challenges: Today I most want to focus on: Why is that important to me? How will it improve my life?

Something that has helped my clients is to set goals on two levels: “acceptable” and “nice to have”. An acceptable level should be possible to achieve no matter what, therefore the client can feel satisfied with his performances. The rest is just a great bonus. ??

As a yoga teacher, wellness coach, and founder of B-Zen?, I advocate for stress reduction through realistic goal-setting. 1. Set SMART Goals: Avoid stress by making goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach brings clarity, focus, and a sense of accomplishment. 2. Prioritize and Plan: SMART goals help creatives prioritize tasks, plan effectively, and break down work into manageable steps. 3. Align with Well-being: Balancing creativity with wellness is key. At B-Zen?, we empower professionals to set goals that not only drive success but also nurture well-being. #SmartGoals #StressReduction #CreativeWellness #BZenWellness #RealisticGoals

Scheduling around peak performance hours is a great suggestion. I also advocate a “balance scoreboard” which I am happy to share, along with a .pdf of “B is for Balance.”

Navigating workplace burnout can be challenging due to adherence to rules, job descriptions, and directives from superiors. In such situations, it becomes crucial to distinguish between urgent and important tasks versus those that are neither urgent nor important. Having the courage to say "No" to non-essential commitments is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Be the courageous individual who prioritizes wisely in the workplace.

As a yoga teacher, wellness coach, and founder of B-Zen?, I advocate for stress-free productivity. 1. Prevent Burnout: Balancing workload prevents burnout, ensuring sustained creativity, quality, and work satisfaction. 2. Harmony with Energy: Align tasks with energy levels. Schedule during peak creativity hours, delegate, and limit distractions. 3. Wellness Tools: Integrate wellness into work using tools and apps. Organize, automate, and streamline tasks for a mindful and efficient workflow. At B-Zen?, we champion a holistic approach—where work nourishes creativity and well-being. ???? #WorkLifeBalance #CreativeWellness #BZenWellness #BalanceWorkload

Much of stress reduction is about seeing it for what it is - getting it into perspective. I recommend to my clients that they create a "personal board". This acts very like the board of a business but it's function is the support, guide and encourage You Inc. A personal board typically includes: your cheerleader (inspires and validates you); peer (who listens to you vent and gets you back on track); mentor (an influential guide with resources); career coach (who challenges you to improve and progress); connector (who can introduce you to the right people) and a wellness coach (who helps you keep mentally and physically fit). This is a really well proven approach and I'd guess that most of your personal board are already known to you!

Unfortunately sometimes the people around us friends or family being rough and give us harsh advice or feedback and I’m not saying this is because they hate us.. on the contrary they care so much and sometimes they just act as protectors and they assume we are doing something wrong and they should show us the right path but with aggression and this is out of love and care I’m sure.. as a mom sometimes I’m doing this with my daughter ?? So either you take the advice or simply walk a way.. for me most of the time I always try to listen Try to stay away from judgmental people cause you’ll meet a lot them and I’m sure they will add only negativity to your life.

life is full of stress and you don't have to allow it to overwhelm you. you have to be wise at the the highest level and at your best. don't joke with any thing and be serious at all times as you take your health serious doing mindfulness at every signal you get from your body.

Yes, totally agree! You can’t look good from outside unless your inside is good as well… Treat yourself with something you love like watching a movie or eat the food you love.. Exercise cause you definitely will feel the difference,, you’ll be more confident and feel more happier Meditating is also a magical way to feel better Your inner peace is the key for better life! Small things can do big difference

An important factor to note when it comes to practising self-care, is not to jump in to the deep end. Make small, sustainable steps towards a healthier life. Adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet, for example, usually works better than deciding to quit all sugar and caffeine (as this will initially increase your stress levels, and can be challenging to maintain). Setting yourself the goal of increasing your daily step count is often more sustainable than deciding you'll now go to the gym every day. As you incorporate small healthy choices daily, you'll find you're feeling better, and it will help push you further along the journey.

“Self-care is not selfish,” straight out of one of my books and so critical to putting yourself first. Block 15 minutes a day in your calendar, just for you. Deep breathing, mindfulness and hydration are great tools.

Create a system of Rapid draft Seek client and colleague feedback Second draft Seek colleague feedback Final draft Set up your calendar to have work time and feedback time included. Be someone else’s feedback buddy too. A lot of creative stress is caused by approaching with the perfection mindset as well as working to too tight deadlines.

It is crucial to understand that stress is a natural reaction to what we perceive to be overwhelming demands. Recognising that stress is a genetic and endocrinological reaction to (perceived) demands, we have a better chance of regaining control. It is also vital to realise that we are naturally wired to react to both, real and psychological stressors.? Self-care is vital for our overall wellbeing and avoiding burnout. When we include breaks in the constant flow of stress, we create space where our brain stops triggering our endocrinological system to secret stress hormones, subsequently giving our bodies a chance to recover. Essentially, work-life harmony means that appropriate stress is followed by adequate rest and recovery.

Examine the environment. Is more autonomy needed? Does compassionate leadership exist? Are supportive structures in place? Are people able to express individuality? With regard to effective communication, are adjustments required?

As a yoga teacher, wellness coach, and founder of B-Zen?, holistic stress reduction for creatives is paramount. 1. Mind-Body Connection: Incorporate mindful practices like yoga and meditation. Nurturing mental wellness reflects in creative outputs. 2. Nature's Influence: Spend time outdoors for inspiration. Nature has a unique way of replenishing creativity and calming the mind. 3. Self-Compassion: Embrace self-compassion. Creative journeys are a blend of successes and lessons. Be kind to yourself through the process. 4. Work-Life Blend: Blur the lines between work and life positively. Integrate wellness practices into your daily routine. At B-Zen?, we celebrate well-being and creativity, fostering a space for thriving professionals.