Perform Under Pressure

With huge pressure to run a business, meet deadlines and trouble-shoot, it’s no wonder one in four workers takes a mental health day off work to cope with stress.

“Worrying about failing in general can lead to paralysis by analysis,” says Psychologist Sian Beilock in her book, Choke. She explains that trying to control every aspect of your life can backfire and disrupt performance during pressure-filled situations.

Beilock has simple suggestions to release the pressure and see things more clearly, including meditation, positive thinking and keeping yourself in check for signs of shutting down, such as sweaty palms or a racing pulse.

To decrease the amount of pressure, banish procrastination by giving yourself several small deadlines before the big deadline, don’t let the stress overwhelm you, plan ahead and as always, slow down and delegate when possible.

Reduce deadline stress by eating better, exercising, prioritizing non-essential tasks, leaving your work at work and planning your days ahead of time, says the Mayo Clinic.

Bonus PINK Link: Still waiting until the last minute? Here’s how to overcome procrastination.

Minute Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Hall gives her top tips for beating stress.

By Muriel Vega

“For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe.” Author Unknown