Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The role of an Operational manager is a very challenging and often stressful one. Although it seems there is almost nothing to do in preventing stress while you carry out your organizational obligations, there are ways to manage it. Every day, you are confronted with problems ranging from employee issues to finances, business in general not being smooth as you want it to be. As unbelievable as it seems, there are operational managers who live a stress free life.
They know how best to manage or deal with stress. Your ability to consciously work at it and not let it affect your health in the name of business will be good for you. Health, they say, is wealth. As you get acquainted with your business terrain, you also need to be conscious of your health by making sure that you stay fit and healthy. For your business to function very well, not losing touch with your health is a necessity. Don’t allow challenges to stress you.
What has caused you stress?
- Job Insecurity and increasing financial obligations
- Lack of cooperation on the part of colleagues
- An extremely demanding target from your superiors
- A personal or family issue
In the article entitled how an entrepreneur can manage stress, the main causes of stress was discussed extensively.
Managing Stress: people vary in temperament and general health. So what stresses one person may not stress another. You are likely over-stressed if your regular routine makes you so tense that you cannot relax or deal with the occasional emergency.
1. Job Insecurity
It is not in your best interest to continue to focus on the worst-case scenario. None of us has total security over what we do. Dwelling on negativity does more harm than good. At best, thinking drains our emotional reserve even when what we fear may not happen. When you see yourself consistently drawing towards negative thoughts, it is advisable to confide in a trusted family member or a trusted friend.
2. Un-cooperating colleagues
When you come across colleagues who will go all out to frustrate the efforts you are putting in to ensure organizational progress, don’t be upset, and try to be calm. Don’t add fuel to the fire, try settling the differences privately and respectfully, thus dignifying the other person. Try to gain insight into his or her feeling and viewpoints such as understanding the reasons for his or her actions. Never hold a grudge against a colleague, it will only add to the stress. When matters have been discussed, forgive from your heart.
3. Extremely demanding target
Due to the competition in the market, the management of an organization sometimes place a target that is too high and non-negotiable. This can cause undue anxiety for you as an operational manager. Even at that, you can meet up with your target without stress when you break them down and endeavor to meet up in bits.
4. Personal Issues
Sometimes, traumatic incidents such as the death of a relative can cause a lot of stress. While there is nothing wrong with you grieving, you can manage it by consulting experts who will guide you through the grief period. Doing this will help you to prevent personal loss from leading to financial loss as grieving may lead to loss of concentration at work.
Irrespective of the type of stress and its causes, the following additional tips might further help:
Getting enough sleep: Most operational managers don’t sleep well due to much responsibility on your shoulder having adequate rest will be of immense help.
Exercise: Stress activates an amazing system in your body, your emergency response system, hormones are released to increase your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, causing the reserve of blood cell and glucose to flood into your bloodstream. Most times you don’t need the pills to manage the situation, all you need is adequate exercise. It keeps you healthy and strong.
Limit the intake of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine etc.: some believe they could get help from stress by turning to alcoholic drugs. Even though it may work momentarily, but at the long run, it will affect your health negatively.
Take a break from work: All work and no play makes jack a dull boy, whether you acknowledge it or not, you need time off work.
Learn to make things with your hand: Learn to play a music instrument, learn a craft, learn how to paint, etc. It will surely refresh you.
While you cannot completely obliterate stress from your lifestyle as an operational manager, considering the above suggestions will go a long way to help you manage the situation effectively. You can thus fulfill your organizational obligations and lead a stress-free life.
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