Here's how you can effectively manage stress and maintain focus as an executive.

Mindfulness practice also increases body awareness, so you are better able to notice the early signs of stress in your body. This awareness is key. Once you are aware of the stress, you can then dig into your stress reduction toolkit to lessen the stress.

Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as starting your day with meditation or taking mindful breaks to reset during busy periods. These practices help center your thoughts, calm the mind, and sharpen concentration. Mindfulness encourages a moment-to-moment awareness of your experiences, which can help you respond more calmly and effectively to high-pressure situations. By regularly engaging in mindfulness exercises, you can reduce overall stress levels, enhance decision-making capabilities, and improve your ability to focus on strategic tasks. This not only benefits your personal well-being but also positively impacts your professional performance.

First and foremost, it's essential to prioritize self-care. This means carving out time in your busy schedule for activities that recharge your batteries, whether it's exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones. Regular physical activity not only reduces stress but also boosts your mood and cognitive function, helping you stay sharp and focused. Don't forget the power of delegation and setting boundaries. Recognize when you need support and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your team. Setting clear boundaries around your work hours and commitments can help prevent burnout and ensure that you have the energy and focus to tackle challenges effectively.

Tune into what is going on around you. Once the awareness kicks in, assess the situation. Then delegate. Connecting to the context of the situation will make the effectiveness of the delegation more purposeful.

Cultivating a resilient mindset is important, especially as an executive. Your team looks up to you, so if you're not taking care of yourself, chances are they won't really understand the importance of it either. When you show them ways in which you can work well under pressure, or be honest when you need a break, not only is it good for your health, but it promotes an AUTHENTIC workplace. When you seek their support, they feel comfortable seeking out support as well. It's a domino effect. Not only do you do things for you, but you continuously set the bar for the rest of the team.

Scheduling downtime is crucial for executives to manage stress and maintain productivity. Deliberately blocking out time in your calendar for breaks throughout the day allows you to decompress and recharge, preventing burnout. Use this downtime to step away from work-related tasks—engage in activities that relax you, such as reading, walking, or practicing mindfulness exercises. This not only helps clear your mind but also boosts your energy levels for better focus when you return to work tasks. Make it a routine part of your schedule, just like any other important appointment. Prioritizing downtime demonstrates a commitment to sustaining your mental and physical health, which is essential for long-term success and effective leadership.

It may seem odd at first to purposely schedule in breaks or downtime, but especially as a busy executive, you must have good work-life balance. When our brains get a break from the high-stress jobs we do, it gives your mind AND body a chance to reset and come back into balance. When we're always going, our bodies don't get a real chance to unwind, and even though we might feel pretty good the next day, our bodies store that frantic, wound up energy with no opportunity to release. Make YOU a priority! A break can look any way you want it to, as long as you're truly present and doing something unrelated to work.

Staying physically active is essential for executives to manage stress and enhance focus. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. Incorporate activities such as walking, cycling, or yoga into your daily routine, even if it's just a 30-minute session. Physical activity also boosts energy levels and enhances cognitive function, helping you stay alert and focused throughout your workday. Consider scheduling exercise as a non-negotiable part of your calendar, much like an important meeting. This commitment to physical health not only benefits personal well-being but also sets a positive example for your team, promoting a culture of health within your organization.

I have always found that when you listen to what your body is telling you, turn the blue screen off and just go with the flow. Take a deep cleansing breath in thru the nose; hold and out through the mouth has always been a good way to start. Roll the neck around next; take another cleansing breath in and out and the movement of the rest of your body will follow in the flow. This has always been a great way for me to turn off the blue screen.

Another key to keep the focus as an executive could be being more mindful toward maintaining a worklife balance. This could be done by prioritizing self-care at all times, and at all costs. However, it should never mean rhat you're not carimg for others. Using your time effectively is a skill that can make you more mindful and focused. Set proper boundaries (on a not-to-do list) and keep your daily tasks on paper in order to complete those weekly goals. Live in the moment, not forgetting to see where you"re arriving!

I recommend quick stress relief and sensory stress relief techniques to manage stress and maintain focus as an executive. For quick stress relief, deep breathing exercises are highly effective. Take a few minutes to inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps calm the mind and reduce immediate stress. Sensory stress relief techniques involve engaging your senses to ground yourself. For example, listening to soothing music, enjoying a pleasant aroma, or focusing on a calming visual scene can quickly reduce stress and refocus your mind. By incorporating these strategies, you can better manage stress and maintain peak performance.