A continuación, te explicamos cómo puedes manejar el estrés y la presión mientras te enfrentas a plazos ajustados.

Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" has been one of the most influential frameworks in my professional and personal life. Understanding this framework and its 7 principles, and putting them into practice in our daily lives, can have a significant impact on our ability to handle stress and pressure, while dealing with tight deadlines. Habit 1: Be proactive, and focus on what you CAN CONTROL rather than what you CANNOT. Habit 2: Begin with the END IN MIND. Ensure your actions are aligned with your LONG-TERM GOALS, and you will set your priorities well. Habit 3: Put FIRST THINGS FIRST, i.e. set your priorities based on what is IMPORTANT to you, and not what is urgent. More on the other 4 habits in future postings!

Stress is an indicator of change. Don't get overwhelmed. The LAMA framework can help: List: Write down all tasks and prioritize. Act: Start with the most urgent task. Break it into smaller steps. Monitor: Keep track of progress and adjust as needed. Adapt: Be flexible. If something isn't working, try a different approach. Things to hammer into the mindset: Focus on one task at a time. Breathe deeply to stay calm and clear-headed. Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.

Ever wondered why some people never seem overwhelmed by deadlines? Start by identifying the most critical tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, categorizing them into urgent and important. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first and delegate or defer less urgent ones. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure steady progress.

What if you could turn every minute into a productivity powerhouse? Implement the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time effectively. Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. This helps maintain high concentration levels and prevents burnout. Use tools like timers or apps to track your intervals and ensure you’re making the most of your time. Review your progress at the end of each day to adjust your schedule as needed.

Schedule in time for regular breaks and engage in relaxation - this can be either passive or active relaxation: Active relaxation involves engaging in activities requiring active participation and focus. These activities divert your mind from stressors and promote a sense of accomplishment and well-being. E.g. exercise, yoga, going on a walk, visualisation. Passive relaxation involves activities that require minimal effort or engagement. These activities help calm the mind and body, promoting a sense of tranquillity and rejuvenation. E.g. journaling, a bath, listening to music, meditation. Incorporating relaxation into your routine can help bolster your productivity when you come back to work!

Can stress be your ally rather than your enemy? Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing, clear your mind, and center yourself. Incorporate quick stress-relief activities like stretching or a brief walk to refresh your mind and body. Remember, regular breaks are essential to maintaining productivity and mental well-being.

Continuing with Stephen Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people, the next 3 habits in his framework (see my previous post in this article) have a lot to do with communication. Habit 4: Think Win-Win. More often than not, when communicating there are discrepancies, and keeping a Win-Win attitude at all times will increase the chances of arriving at an understanding. Habit 5: Seek first to understand before being understood. I believe this habit is key in laying the foundations of successful communication. Habit 6: Synergize. When we synergize, the total is more than the sum of each of the parts. These three habits pave the ground for clear and successful communication, helping to prevent misuderstandings and reduce stress.

What if effective communication could halve your stress levels? Keep open lines of communication with your team and supervisors. Clearly articulate your needs, deadlines, and any obstacles you encounter. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or delegate tasks when necessary. Regular check-ins and updates can help manage expectations and reduce misunderstandings, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working efficiently towards common goals.

Could your daily habits be the key to conquering deadlines stress-free? Maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your energy and focus levels high. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Incorporate activities you enjoy to stay motivated and energized. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, which can lead to energy crashes. Healthy habits enhance your physical and mental resilience, helping you handle stress more effectively.

Manejar el estrés y la presión con estos consejos: 1. Planificación y Organización: Crea listas de tareas y divide los proyectos grandes. 2. Prioridades Claras: Evalúa la urgencia y elimina distracciones. 3. Gestión del Tiempo: Utiliza técnicas como Pomodoro y establece horarios realistas. 4. Técnicas de Relajación: Practica la respiración profunda y toma pausas regulares. 5. Actitud Positiva: Reemplaza pensamientos negativos con afirmaciones positivas y celebra logros. 6. Comunicación Abierta: Delegar tareas y pide ayuda cuando sea necesario. Ejemplo: Crea listas de tareas, utiliza la técnica Pomodoro, practica la respiración profunda, y celebra cada logro. Además, delega tareas y busca apoyo cuando sientas que la carga es abrumadora.