Being a project manager is an incredibly successful job because you’re both accountable and responsible for the actions of others. When someone assigns you a project, you have to make sure it’s done properly and on time. Furthermore, you need to pay close attention that you don’t cross your budget. No matter how good of a manager and leader you are, you’re bound to experience a lot of stress on the job.

Chronic stress is known for being one of the leading causes of various serious fatal health problems. To ensure stress doesn’t take its toll on your physical and mental health, it’s important that you find a way to handle it. It’s worth noting that many people who like to stay busy assume stress is just a normal part of the job. Although it is okay if you experience a bit of stress in certain situations, you should never be in a position where you’re almost constantly stressed out.

Learn to Say No

Project managers always have a lot to do. While it’s okay to take on a few different projects at the same time, you should be aware of your limits and how much your team can handle before deciding whether you should start working on additional assignments. Keep in mind that taking on more than you can handle will not only cause you a lot of stress, but it may also have a negative effect on the quality of your work.

Sleep More

Unfortunately, most people don’t get as much rest as they should. When work is on your mind, you will experience a lot of stress even when you’re not on the job. If you let this have an effect on your sleep habits, it will cause even more problems. Namely, you’ll get into this vicious cycle of experiencing more stress while sleeping less. Keep in mind that the National Sleep Foundation notes that adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you sleep less than seven hours a day, you’ll only increase your stress levels.

Improve Your Knowledge

Sometimes, the reason why project managers are stressed out is that they’re not confident in their skills. In order to become better at your job and increase your confidence levels, you’ll need to improve your knowledge. Consider enrolling in a project management professional (PMP) program. By going through PMP bootcamp, you will learn useful skills that will make it easier for you to do your job. On top of that, you will master certain skills as well. For example, you’ll become much better at planning, identifying potential risks, and coming up with strategies to deal with them.

Focus on Urgent Tasks

It’s a bad idea to overwhelm yourself by constantly thinking about everything you have to do. Instead, it is recommended that you learn how to prioritize and focus on urgent tasks. With that being said, you shouldn’t have a stuffed schedule. It’s much better to write down the five most important tasks for each day and set aside enough time for them. Make sure you also set aside some time for unplanned tasks to ensure they don’t sideline your entire day.

Take Breaks

A lot of project managers become used to working without taking breaks. However, know that this will drastically increase your stress levels. Although you may feel like you don’t need to take breaks, they’re essential for keeping your brain healthy. It’s worth mentioning that you should avoid any type of work-related activity during a break, including reading and responding to emails. Use this time to clear your head and get prepared for your next tasks. Note that it is a good idea to get out of the office or maybe even go for a walk during your break.