Working as an assistant for over 9 years has presented many challenges and one thing that's for sure, is STRESS! Juggling 15+ things all at once can really take a toll on you, but one thing I suggest is to leave it at work! Let your home be your sanctuary, here are a few things I do to help me after a long day, week, month and heck, year!
1. Exercise
I know, I know.... I am not the first person to suggest this! In fact, you have probably read many articles or have seen it on the news but going to the gym (mainly cardio) can significantly impact your body in a positive way! But don't take it from me, SCIENTISTS have confirmed this theory! That's right, SCIENTISTS!!! This is because your body produce endorphins that can instantly relieve stress.
2. Listen to Soothing music
Whenever I feel stressed (even at work) I instantly put my headphones on and tune into some calming classical music. I know what you're thinking, "Who wants to listen to elevator music at work?" Trust me, it works! Did you know that jamming out to some Mozart can actually improve your memory?
3. Spending time with your pet
Now, this may not apply to those of you who don't have a furry or non furry friend at home but spending time and cuddling with your furry baby or REAL baby can in fact help ease stress! With that being said, I need to go look for my cat, we have some serious cuddling to do! :)
4. Rest!
This should've been #1 but they're all equally important! REST, REST, REST!!! Staying up late binge watching Netflix is NOT going to help you be productive in the morning! In fact, you'll wake up groggy and won't be performing at your best!
5. Pampering
One thing that helps me for sure, is either a warm bath or a simple face mask in the evening. Believe it or not, this method helps you take a break from the stresses in your life, don't believe me? I dare you to try it! ;)
Hi Beth!
I completely understand your struggle because i’ve gone through the same thing. I support the CFO at my company and he’s very dependent on me, which is a good and bad thing. I too would find myself leaving at late hours.
One day I sat down and started thinking of the reasons why I wasn’t getting out on time and in my case it was because I would say yes to any and every project from my boss and my team but that was doing more damage than good. I started saying no and I treating my personal calendar as I do with my boss‘s Calendar. Setting times to get work done and setting deadlines (for myself) on tasks and I found that it really helped but of course, there some instances where I have to stay late but it’s a rare occurrence now. Have you tried this before?
All excellent ideas. I want to exercise, but find it hard to get away from my desk at 5:30 or even 6:00. I used to do Yoga and miss it terribly. Any suggestions for getting up from your desk in time to make it to a Yoga class or the Gym. I support a VP, a president virtually, I sit at the reception desk and work on a ongoing finance project.