15 Ways to Survive While Under Pressure

Have you ever been so busy with work that it puts a strain on your health or relationships? Like the well-known stress management scenario about holding a cup of water – you can hold a cup of water easily enough for a minute, but after an hour your arm will ache, and after a day you could do enough damage to merit a doctor. Like this frog. I’m sure he could carry anything for a short time; but sooner or later something will fall if he keeps going!

Well, today I’ve got some stress management tips to offer, no matter who you are or what you do.

As you may have noticed, I’m a writer, and writers constantly have to juggle their workload. Ever heard of the phrase ‘struggling artist’? That’s because The Arts isn’t a well-paid industry. It’s not unknown for artists to have several jobs, work long hours, diversify their skills and offer them up for hire, and seek financial support from those passionate about creativity and culture in their local community, all just to make ends meet. When a work opportunity comes along, we have to take it no matter what else we’ve got going on, which means we often go through periods of being extremely busy. And we still have to find time to progress our personal creative projects (which I’ve also blogged about over here on the CSFG blog), because being creative is why we’re artists in the first place. All this juggling can sure put a strain on our health and relationships!

Speaking at Harry Hartog’s launch, Sydney.

For this reason, when my novel ‘Towards White’ came out last year, and interviewers asked me ‘What is the key to your success as a writer to date?’, my answer was: “Determination in spite of everything, but not everyone”.

“Sacrifice and hard work will get you far,” I told them, “but you don’t want to be alone at the end of it, or for your health to suffer. Talent is nothing if you don’t put in the time. But you also have to put down the laptop when others needed help or attention, or to look after your health. It’s a matter of balance, of course. Oh, and chocolate and wine, definitely chocolate and wine.”

He he, of course balance is the answer!

But when balance simply isn’t possible, because we’re going through a busy period, how do we stay sane? If we don’t relax a little or have fun, we’ll burn out. Like the cup. Or drop things. Like the frog.

Last week, in a writing forum I follow, a member asked for coping strategies for when you’re overworked and overwhelmed but taking time off isn’t an option. Being a forum full of writers, of course there were plenty of suggestions. We know how to juggle!

The solution is to relax and have fun but in short bursts – which is why most of the suggestions could be fitted into 10-15 minute slots, my own included.

I thought the suggestions might be useful for anyone, anywhere, so here’s a summary of the best ones, including mine at the end. Next time you’re going through a busy period, why not set your alarm and schedule one for mid-morning, and another for mid-afternoon?

1. Walk The Block – walk fast enough around the block to get a little puffy. The change of scene and exercise can recharge you in 10-15 minutes.
   
2. Inspire Yourself With Art – spend 10 minutes sketching, doodling, or looking up some art of your choice for no reason other than to look at art.
3. Dance Break – put on 2-3 of your favourite upbeat tracks and dance around, or hula-hoop to the music. Give your adrenalin somewhere to go.
4. Meditate – the ‘Buddhify’ or ‘Headspace’ apps offer 2-3 minute work-break meditations.
5. Stretch It Out – do some yoga or Pilates for 15 minutes to get the blood flowing, or even just lie on the floor and rest your feet on the wall.
6. Warm Water – immerse your hands in a sink or bowl of warm water for five minutes. It’s not as good as a bath, but it’s less water and quicker! Alternatively, have a quick shower (if you’re near one), and then change your clothes so you feel like you’re starting afresh.
7. Boil A Cuppa – instead of reaching for the coffee though, try a herbal tea, and take the time it takes for the water to boil to think of nothing.
8. Break Down Your W.I.P List – break bigger tasks down into more manageable sub-tasks and do one each day so you make progress with everything. Knock off some of the easier tasks first, just to get the list looking slimmer.
9. Pat A Pet Or Person – cuddles solve everything!
10. Change Of Workspace – take your work outside and sit under a tree, go to a café or shopping centre.
11. Watch For Escape – watch a short 10-15 minute film, a TED talk, or part of a favourite television show.
12. Envision Happiness – think about what makes you happy, or plan what you’d like to do once this period of high-intensity work settles into a more manageable work-life balance again. Share your vision with friends and family so they know that you know this stressful period is only for a short time.
13. Forgive Yourself – as long as you’re doing the best you can in the present moment, don’t be upset that you’re overwhelmed, time-poor or stressed.
14. Remind Yourself – is the pressure you’re under really a gift in disguise? Perhaps this work will bring you more money or opportunities? Make a list of the pros.
    
15. Warm Eyes – my personal favourite, sit somewhere warm or sunny, close your eyes for 10 minutes and listen to your breathing and surroundings. It gives your whole body a break from working on the computer, warms you up (like a cuddle, bath or shower), clears your mind, and energises you too.

Have you got any suggestions to add? How do you stay sane when the pressure’s on?