Stress is part of life, and the higher you get up the corporate ladder, the less avoidable it becomes. Stress and responsibility go hand-in-hand – it’s a symptom of caring about what you do, and the impact of the decisions you make every day. And like most things, too much of it is bad for your health.
Unavoidable doesn’t mean unmanageable, though – and if you can get on top of it, a bit of stress can even be a positive thing. Tight deadlines and last-minute issues can bring about all sorts of innovation that would never have happened otherwise. The trick lies in learning how to recognise and respond to stress before it takes a toll.
We've worked with leaders across industries, and stress doesn't discriminate. Everyone faces moments where the pressure threatens to overwhelm them, but resilient leaders know how to manage stress in those moments, and build practices to keep it in check long-term.
Let’s look at a couple of examples: here’s how coaching has helped two of our clients to turn their work stress around (names changed for confidentiality), followed by some practical ways to start managing work stress that you can try immediately.
Case Study 1: David, the Overcommitted CEO
David’s a high-performing CEO of a fast-growing company, and he came to coaching feeling on the brink of burnout. His calendar was packed, his sleep was erratic, and he felt like every decision rested solely on his shoulders. He described it as “being pulled in ten directions while standing still”.
We quickly discovered that David was saying yes to too much. He hadn’t built in time for strategic thinking, or even a proper lunch. Thanks to coaching, David began delegating more, blocking daily “white space” in his diary, and starting his mornings with a short walk, which did not include his phone. Within weeks, he noticed clearer thinking and more energy. The stress hadn’t vanished, of course - but he’d learned to recognise the triggers and signs, and what he’d need to do in response.
Case Study 2: Priya, the Perfectionist Director
Priya, a marketing director in a global firm, prides herself on attention to detail – but it was coming at a cost. Late nights, rechecking every email, and feeling unable to switch off were exhausting, and she was also dangerously close to burning out.
In our sessions, we explored the beliefs underpinning her perfectionism. She feared being seen as “not good enough” if anything slipped through the cracks. Together, we worked on shifting this mindset, and putting some firm work boundaries: no emails after 7pm, and one “imperfect” project per month: one where she would resist the urge to over-polish. Slowly, Priya began to reclaim some balance, and also discovered how well her team could step up too.
5 Practical Tips to Manage Your Stress at Work
So whether you’re a David, a Priya, or one of the many other stressed executives we’ve seen this year, here are some top tips we can pass on to help you begin combatting your stressors and find that essential balance.
Protect your calendar like a fortress
It’s not just about scheduling meetings, it’s about unscheduling too. Block out thinking time, rest breaks, and space for strategic reflection. They are all essential. Your calendar reflects your priorities, and time for you to breathe needs to be on there too.
Start with breathing, not emailing
Begin your day intentionally. Even three deep belly breaths before you check your phone can ground your nervous system. Better yet, try five minutes of morning stillness or journaling to set your tone for the day.
Set boundaries and communicate them
You train people how to treat you. Let your team know when you're available and when you're not. You don’t have to reply to that 10pm message, and modelling boundaries gives others permission to do the same.
Get moving, often
Physical movement is one of the quickest ways to release tension. A five-minute stretch between meetings or a brisk lunchtime walk can significantly reduce stress hormones and improve your focus.
Check your inner voice
It can be your worst critic, or your greatest ally - so notice when it’s beating you up. Ask, “Would I speak to a colleague like this?”. If not, change what you’re saying to yourself. A conscious effort to do it now will turn it into an unconscious habit.
Get it Working for You
Managing stress isn’t about escaping pressure altogether. It’s about developing the tools and mindset to navigate it with resilience. Executive life will always come with high demands, but you don’t have to sacrifice your health or peace of mind in the process.
If you’re feeling stretched, remember: small shifts lead to big change. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as taking a breath before the next meeting.
We’ve got extensive experience in creating the stress management strategy that is right for your unique role, personality and history. If you’d like to discover more about facing your stress demons and how to beat them, give us a call today.
Share this post: