Project Management can be a high-pressure occupation. Check out these tips for managing stress and taking deep breaths in and out of work to maintain composure over your project’s progress.
In the Office
Define the scope. Nail down what you want to do. Analyze how your plans fit in with your mission and abilities. Be clear about the details. Otherwise, a project can keep growing bigger and bigger, eventually becoming overwhelming.
Focus on quality. Successful companies put quality first. Cutting back on costs and labor can only go so far. Thinking in terms of value and quality sparks more inspiration and less tension.
Consult experts. Reach out to colleagues who have done similar work. They’ll know what you’re going through and probably have some excellent advice.
Limit conflicting activities. When you take on a new project, you may already work at total capacity. Establish priorities. Identifying your preferences is helpful because it can help you concentrate on the most urgent matters and stick to a sustainable schedule.
Assemble a strong team. Know the skills you require and the roles each team member will fill. Build a collaborative culture by being generous with praise and thanks.
Commit adequate resources. Ensure your team has the tools you’ll need to succeed. Do your research. Conducting thorough research about your project can help you justify your budget to senior management and customers. This research will lessen friction and increase their confidence in you as a project manager.
Share information. Be transparent with your team. Let your team see the schedule. Also, let your team know how they can assess actual performance compared to project projections. Increased knowledge and participation lead to better solutions.
Communicate with stakeholders. Mid-course corrections are sometimes needed. Inform customers and other constituencies of events like schedule changes as soon as possible. Frequent communication works wonders.
Perform evaluations. Learn from every experience. Audit your activities along the way and at completion. Assess your strengths and the areas you want to improve.
Outside Your Workplace: Rejuvenating for Your Best Work Performance
Go offline. Get in the habit of disconnecting. Tell people what hours they can reach you and reserve the rest of the time for yourself and your family.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity gives you more energy. It’s also one of the most constructive ways to manage stress. Play music you love to make working out even more enjoyable.
Eat well. You’ll feel more resilient when you eat a nutritious diet. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruit daily, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water so that you can stay hydrated.
Get adequate rest. It would be best to have a sufficient sleep to function at your best. Try taking a brief nap during the day if you have difficulty setting aside enough time at night.
Develop a relaxation practice. Select a relaxing activity that works for you. You may prefer daily meditation or a weekly massage. When you get home, play some gentle instrumental music or take a nice relaxing bath before bed.
Practice breathing. Correct breathing is an instant stress buster you can use anytime and anywhere. Slow down and inhale deeply through your nostrils from your diaphragm. Let the air slowly release through your nostrils. Repeat several times.
Rely on your support network. Warm and loving relationships are the best antidote for stress. Spend time laughing and sharing meaningful activities and conversations. Find comfort and strength in your family, friends, and spiritual community.
By tweaking your project management style, you can produce better results and feel more at ease. The key is setting realistic goals, fostering collaboration, and caring for your health. With these things in mind, you will be on your way to becoming a successful project manager.
