Janice Litvin

One of the easiest ways to begin to combat stress is to get outdoors and move. This sounds so simple, but it’s a perfect way to heal oneself as well as set a good example for the rest of the organization.

There are so many factors impacting the mental health of organizations and their leaders. The cultural woes caused by world events and the economy are just two of the causes. Added to that the rise in cyberattacks and the never-ending attempt to stay ahead of foreign bad actors. When stress continues unabated, it can lead to the following symptoms: mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, feelings of ineffectiveness and dread. Leaders must focus on mental health for themselves, as well as their teams. One of the easiest ways to begin to combat exercise is to get outdoors and move. This sounds so simple, but it’s a perfect way to heal oneself as well as set a good example for the rest of the organization.

You’re preparing for a presentation. How can you make it more memorable? The best lesson I have learned from executive presentation skills expert, @Patricia Fripp, is to focus on story. Just imagine having to make a presentation to senior management about creating a solid budget for employee well-being. Rather than dwelling on the numbers, start with a story of how well-being improves lives. When employee physical and mental health are at their peak, then employees can work smarter and more creatively. All of this leads to increased retention and productivity. Happy employees make a healthy company. Start with the human side by using a story to get your point across.

Coaching is a key way to manage stress and prevent burnout in a remote environment. Meet with each team member weekly - even if you allot only 15 minutes. Ensure their workload is not out of control and that they have all the resources they need to be successful. Invite team members for a periodic in person lunch if feasible. Make it fun, not about work. This keeps the team united and builds trust. Show empathy when talking to your team members. "If you see something, say something." This means if you observe something odd in a person's behavior, confront it. Do not sweep it under the carpet and hope it will go away. Here are 4 steps: State what you observe, Ask if everything is okay, Offer help, and Reiterate that you are their support.

If you must work long hours, the best ways to stay healthy include the following: Get a good night's sleep so you feel fortified Take breaks, at least once every hour Go outside. The moment the sun hits your skin, Vitamin D is activated. After just 10 minutes you will begin to experience some of these benefits: Enhanced mood / reduction of negative thoughts Mental clarity Regulation of insulin Strenthened immune system What's more if you can do a hike or bike ride first thing in the morning, you will start your day with a boost of energy. Reduce eye strain by looking away from the computer screen every 20 or 30 minutes Try to position yourself near a window for enhanced benefits from light. Eat healthy meals & snacks & drink water

I have found that the most impactful framework for stress management programs is based on cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches that we can change the way we react to stress. It involves setting new habits to interrupt negative thoughts when stress happens. In 2021 Deloitte reported: 79% of workers have experienced stress on the job. My clients all share that they are overworked. They’re expected to pick up the slack when someone quits. This level of burnout causes your bottom line to suffer as people quit. The best way to implement a stress management framework is from the top down. The corporate culture has to shift to the care of the employees. And the management team need to be coached in how to engage and support their teams.