They report to a board of education/trustees and are responsible for the timely submission of financial materials, including federal and state tax returns, audits, and budgets.
Finally, if they need additional funds for construction or other projects, they work with a local governmental entity or receive approval from the registered voters in a referendum election.
Piece of cake, right? As yoga teacher/author Gudjon Bergmann says, “There is no such thing as a stress-free life. No evidence has ever been presented which suggests that a stress-free life can ever be achieved. Stress can be managed, relieved, and lessened, but never eliminated.”
There is no such thing as a stress-free life.
How do business officials control their stress levels day after day? It’s not that easy. Here are some observations and suggestions for how business officials can manage stress.
1. Help. Ask for it. Sounds so simple. But this is the equivalent of the airline attendant telling you to put your oxygen mask on first. If you are struggling personally, speak with someone sooner rather than later. If you are struggling at work, talk with your supervisor. If you are not receiving the results that you need to level out your workload, then maybe it is time to consider moving on.
2. No. Say it. While it is easy to recommend, it is not easy to master. By not overscheduling yourself with commitments —both personal and professional —you have the opportunity to be better. You can balance your schedule, have time for your family/friends/other activities (listening to podcasts, music, crafting, reading, or just doing nothing), and thrive in your career.
3. Hydrate. Do it. Hydration is essential to staying healthy. While it may be difficult to remember to hydrate during the day, you can set reminders on your devices and on Post-its.
4. Sleep. Make time for it. Your body needs to rest and recover. A good night’s sleep keeps your brain and body refreshed and alert.
5. Breathe. Focus on it. Yoga. Meditation. Engaged breathing. They are all effective at lowering stress. Whether you are reacting to a situation at work or processing a major personal decision, staying mindful of your breathing can help you stay in the moment rather than go into fight-or-flight mode and forget what you need to do next.
Typing “stress relief” in a search engine will produce 10 pages of results. The suggestions here are not all-inclusive; they are starting points for considering and reflecting on your stress level. If you commit to changing one habit in your routine in your quest for a healthier lifestyle, that one change may lead to more changes that lower your stress level, balance your work and your life, and allow you to continue being the incredible business official you are.