Stress Management in Multitasking Environments

Been through product launches, 100-hour weeks, impossible deadlines. Here's how I manage stress—no fluff, just real tactics 👇 1. Intentional Pauses Even when swamped, I schedule 5-minute breaks between tasks. Sounds counterintuitive, but it's a game-changer. Microsoft research backs this up: short breaks reduce cumulative stress. I step away from screens, breathe, or stretch. These "unproductive" moments boost clarity. 2. Tech Boundaries No badge of honor for always being "on." I use Do Not Disturb, block notifications, and set clear availability windows both during and after hours. The Digital Wellness Institute confirms: boundaries reduce burnout and boost productivity. Tip: Designate "deep work" hours. Share this with your team to align expectations. 3. One Non-Negotiable Routine When busy, don't drop all self-care. Double down on one thing. For me, it's a midday walk without my phone. Find your one habit and protect it fiercely. Real-world example: During a major client workshop with tight deadlines, I used these tactics. Result? More clarity, energy, and presence for both team and clients. Remember: Small acts compound over time. Prioritize what truly matters. Your well-being isn't indulgent—it's essential for peak performance.

March 15th of 2016, I was woken up at 4 am by an intense pain in my stomach. Attempting to start my day, I found myself staggering downstairs, only to be overwhelmed by nausea. It was a wake-up call, signaling that something was seriously wrong. This episode led me to a diagnosis that many hard driving professionals are familiar with: chronic stress and burnout, the silent toll of juggling multiple roles. At the time, I was navigating between 3.5 roles 1) being the Director of Business Development at a technology company 2) being an Executive MBA student at USC Marshall 3) being a new father 3.5) enduring a grueling three-hour daily commute from Pasadena to Santa Monica daily This pivotal moment marked the beginning of my deep dive into mindfulness. Until then I have studied various philosophy but never practiced. It’s a journey that transformed not just my personal well-being but also my professional performance. Through studying of classics like “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind,” immersing myself in multiple meditation retreats, absorbing countless content, and meeting with PhDs, I crafted a suite of mindfulness practices that became my cornerstone for not only managing stress but the source of high performance achievement - hit 120% of my sales goal that year 🛠️It’s became a secret weapon. A very useful tool. Here are some practical steps I've integrated into my life, which I believe can profoundly impact anyone's professional journey: 🧠Mindfulness Practices for High Performance Establish a Daily Practice: Each morning, I dedicate time for box breathing exercise (adopted by Navy Seals) This simple act of returning my focus to my breath whenever my mind wanders has sharpened my focus, improved my emotional regulation, and cultivated a powerful presence in all aspects of my life. Mindful Moments: Wove mindfulness into the fabric of my daily activities. I have blocked off time on my calendar in between back to back meetings. These brief moments for mindful activities between tasks have become a forcing function to reset and recenter. They enhance my engagement and efficiency with each task at hand. Mindful Listening: In every meeting and conversation, I practice fully focusing on the speaker, absorbing not just their words but also their non-verbal cues, without crafting my response in my head. This approach has not only deepened relationships but also ensured that I fully comprehend the nuances of each interaction. My journey underscores that peak performance transcends technical prowess; it's equally about nurturing mental resilience, embracing mindfulness, and fostering a profound connection with our personal value. In the high-stakes realms of management and revenue functions, where success is often quantified by outcomes, goals, and quotas, mindful approach offers a sustainable and fulfilling path to what we do. Helpful material in comment 👇🏼 #selfdevelopment #mentalhealth #mentalperformance #leadership

Many obsess over productivity, efficiency & multitasking. Most miss the #1 skill in tough times: Staying calm. Staying calm amidst the chaos is transformative, but few achieve it. Being calm isn't just about staying quiet. It's about: 1. Understanding the Situation -> Recognize what’s happening around you. This helps in assessing the problem without panic. 2. Breathing Techniques -> Use deep breathing to manage stress. Calm breathing keeps your mind clear and focused. 3. Prioritizing Tasks -> Identify what needs immediate attention. Focus on one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 4. Seeking Support -> Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your thoughts can lighten the mental load and offer new perspectives. 5. Practicing Mindfulness -> Stay present in the moment. Mindfulness reduces anxiety and helps you stay grounded. Mastering calmness in chaos builds resilience. And you’ll handle challenges more effectively. Staying calm is your superpower.

Think you're good at multitasking? Science says you're not. We often pride ourselves on the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. But did you know that multitasking can significantly impact your productivity and even your IQ? 🧠 Here's why: ❌ Context Switching Losses ↳ Constantly switching between tasks forces your brain to refocus repeatedly, leading to a loss of efficiency.  ↳ Studies show it can take up to 23 minutes to fully regain focus after an interruption.  ↳ Imagine the cumulative impact on your productivity! ❌ IQ Loss ↳ Multitasking can reduce your IQ by up to 15 points – the equivalent of losing a night's sleep or being mildly intoxicated.  ↳This affects your decision-making, creativity, and overall cognitive function. Actionable Tips to Combat Multitasking: ✅ Prioritize Tasks:  ↳ Focus on one task at a time, starting with the most important task. ✅ Use Time Blocking:  ↳ Work in focused intervals, like 25-minute sprints and take a 5-minute break to maintain concentration. ✅ Eliminate Distractions:  ↳ Create a distraction-free environment. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set boundaries for work time. ✅ Practice Mindfulness:  ↳ Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises to improve your ability to focus and reduce stress. ✅ Batch Similar Tasks:  ↳ Group similar tasks together to minimize the mental effort required to switch contexts. By implementing these strategies, you can boost your productivity, enhance your cognitive function, and achieve better results in your professional and personal life. Remember, quality over quantity is key! What strategies do you use to stay focused? Share your thoughts below! 👇 ♻️ Reshare to help your network avoid the productivity pitfalls of multitasking. ➕ Follow Morgan Davis, PMP, PROSCI for more actionable productivity tips.

🚫 The Hidden Dangers of Multi-Tasking for High Performers 🚫 As high-performers, we’re wired to achieve, excel, and often juggle multiple responsibilities at once (Agree?) But here’s the catch: multi-tasking, while it feels productive, is actually a PRODUCTIVITY TRAP – especially for those who not only wants to get things done but done WELL! Here are 4 ways multi-tasking may be cheating you... 🔹 1. Reduced Quality DON’T: Don’t Attempt Important Tasks with Distractions: Avoid taking calls, checking emails, or doing other “quick tasks” during high-focus work. DO: Time Block for Focused Work: Dedicate specific blocks of time to single tasks, especially those that require heavy mental work. During these blocks, eliminate distractions (silence phone notifications, turn off email alerts). Prioritize your tasks and focus on what's at hand. 🔹 2. Cognitive Overload DON’T: Don’t Jump Straight Into Another Task: After a big project or intense task, allow a few minutes to decompress before switching. A quick stretch, a drink of water, or a short walk can work wonders. Don't mult-task during breaks. Use the time to rest your mind. DO: Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes a day focusing on deep breathing exercises or simple mindfulness practices. It helps reduce the cognitive load by bringing focus back to the present. Take a break every 45-90 minutes. 🔹 3. Burnout Risk DON’T: Don’t Say Yes to Everything: If you’re already at capacity, say no or ask for a later deadline. Overloading yourself will only accelerate burnout. Don't miss your meals to get more done. It hurts you in the long run. DO: Set Boundaries: Set a daily “cut-off” time for work. Tell your colleagues and clients that you’ll be unreachable after a certain hour, and stick to it. Prioritize self-care. 🔹 4. False Sense of Achievement DON’T: Don’t Mistake Busyness for Productivity: Just because you’re moving quickly between tasks doesn’t mean you are achieving your goals. Avoid filling your schedule with low-impact tasks. DO: Focus on Impactful Tasks: Use a prioritization tool like the Eisenhower Matrix to identify what’s truly important vs. what’s simply “urgent.” Focus on tasks that make a meaningful impact. Take 5 minutes the day before to prioritize. 👉 Challenge for today: Pick ONE key task, shut off distractions, and give it 100% focus. 👀 Observe the difference in quality and satisfaction. High performance isn’t about how much you can juggle; it’s about the impact of what you deliver. Are you ready to shift from multi-tasking to high-impact focus? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Hi! I am Shirlyn Lim, a Nutrition and Brain Health Coach & Trainer. I share science-based evidence to help boost your productivity, clarity and mental resilience, so that you are equipped to handle life stress and bounce back from adversities with confidence. PM to chat more and explore how I can help boost #productivity, reduce stress and #absenteeism at your work place. #HighPerformance #Focus #HR

Stress is a silent partner in digital entrepreneurship. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Running a digital agency taught me the importance of managing stress effectively. Here are my top strategies: 1. Prioritise Tasks: Focus on what's truly important. Use tools like Trello to keep track. 2. Set Boundaries: Define work hours and stick to them. This helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. 3. Take Breaks: Short, regular breaks can boost productivity. A quick walk or a few minutes of meditation works wonders. 4. Delegate: Trust your team. Delegating tasks can reduce your workload and stress levels. 5. Stay Active: Regular exercise is a great stress reliever. Even a 20-minute walk can clear your mind. These strategies have helped me maintain balance in the fast-paced digital world. What stress-busting tips work for you? #DigitalEntrepreneur #StressManagement

In the world of marketing, high-pressure situations are inevitable. From tight deadlines to unexpected challenges, it's essential to develop effective strategies for managing stress and maintaining composure. I vividly recall a time when I was leading a major marketing campaign with a very tight deadline. The pressure was immense, and I felt overwhelmed at times. However, I was able to stay calm and focused by implementing a few key strategies: Prioritize and Delegate: Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and delegating whenever possible can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout. Take Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Even a brief walk or a few minutes of meditation can make a significant difference. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help you stay present and calm under pressure. Maintain a Positive Outlook: Focusing on the positive aspects of the situation and visualizing success can help boost your motivation and resilience. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends for support and guidance. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can better manage stress and perform at your best, even in high-pressure situations. How do you handle stress and pressure in your marketing role?

~70% of professionals experience stress impacting their daily performance. But you CAN regain control and build resilience. Here’s a quick guide to understanding stress and managing it effectively: What is stress, exactly? Stress is your body’s reaction to challenges, from tight deadlines to team dynamics. Acute stress is short-term, while chronic stress can linger—often fueled by ongoing pressures at work. When to take action: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, constantly fatigued, struggling to make decisions, or avoiding interactions with your team, it might be time to take action. Top 5 Stress Management Techniques: 1️⃣ Prioritize with the 5 D’s: Do: Urgent and important tasks first Delegate: Hand off what others can manage Defer: Postpone what’s non-urgent Delete: Eliminate unnecessary tasks 2️⃣ Mindful Breathing (Box Breathing): Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat for 2 minutes to center yourself. 3️⃣ Take Micro-Breaks: Step away every 90 minutes to refresh your mind and improve focus. (Trust me, you feel better and your work will thank you too). 4️⃣ Set Boundaries: Avoid being “always on.” Define clear work-life boundaries and turn off notifications after hours. 5️⃣ Zoom In, Zoom Out: Shift between details and the big picture to keep your efforts aligned with broader goals. I do this once a week, every two weeks at most. Stress is inevitable, but you can make decisions to manage and reduce it. What’s your favorite tip?