Burning Out: How to Survive at Work During a Personal Crisis

(www.dyingmatters.org)

It is one of the golden rules when working in the professional world: don’t let your personal life interfere with your professional one.

You’ve been warned time and time again about letting the lines blur between your social life and work duties, and so far, it has been easy to keep them apart (keeping separate professional social media pages, avoiding overly-personal conversations at the office, etc.).

However, what are you supposed to do when something goes awry in your personal life, and completely throws you off your game in every way?

This could be a family member’s passing, a devastating breakup, a financial blow, or anything that makes you feel helpless or beyond stressed out.

You have been taught to keep your personal and professional lives from intersecting, but should you really avoid the office altogether and take as many personal days as possible?

The short answer is “no”, but the truth of the matter is that it takes work and resilience to stay focused while undergoing a painful life event.

Even though it may seem impossible, concentrating on your work can help you recover from the pain you are feeling.

By focusing on your job while under a great deal of personal stress, you will be able to take your mind off of it. This can be helpful in many ways, especially if you have been unable to focus on anything else. Sometimes, taking your mind of something can help you see it clearer in the future, and by focusing on work and putting the personal situation in the background, you may find clarity when you clock out at the end of the day.

Also, if the personal situation has made you feel bad about yourself, being productive at work can make you feel more confident in your abilities. Acing a presentation or media campaign may just be the confidence booster you need to feel better after a painful situation.

In the end, everyone copes differently with stress and pain. If you need to take time off to recuperate, it is understandable. However, if you are low on personal days or have too much work to take a break from, remember that work can be helpful in overcoming your grief, and you will get past this.

Answering “How is the job search going?” and other awkward questions during summer break

Summer break is a time for rest and relaxation, but it isn’t completely stress-free.

One of the greatest stressors of the sunny season is the barrage of questions from family members and friends who are dying to know answers to their inquiries that you might not know yourself.

These questions can blindside you at barbecues, birthday parties, or even family vacations, so it is important to be ready to answer them without letting your emotions get out of hand.

Here are some of the most common and uncomfortable questions you may get asked this summer, and tips on how to answer them:

1. “What do you do in your major?”- This question is so predictable for PR majors that most of us already have an eye roll on standby. However, it is important to remember that at one point, you may not have had a complete definition of your major, and you may have struggled to figure out where your studies would take you in the real world. Most PR students still have trouble finding a fitting definition for our major even after we have become upperclassmen! It can be helpful to speak about your favorite classes in PR or even describe the areas of PR that interest you the most. That way, you aren’t reciting a textbook definition, and you are explaining your interest in the field as well.

2. “Aren’t you worried about finding a job?”- This question is so forward, it may knock you off your feet when you first hear it. Unfortunately, people may ask you these kinds of questions, and even though it may sting at the time, it is important to be honest with your answer and be confident in your abilities. You can be honest if you are a bit nervous, but focus on the experiences you have had (such as internships) and classes you have taken that have prepared you for the professional world, and bulk up your answer with reasons that you are confident in yourself and your future job search.

3. “How is the job search going?”- Recent graduates are already under stress trying to find jobs, and random questions regarding the search can not only be annoying, but also upsetting. It is important to keep in mind that most people are not asking maliciously, and are only curious to see what your plans are. If you have a job secured, congratulations, but if not, don’t feel ashamed. Answer the question truthfully, and try not to get upset. It could be possible that the person asking has a position in mind for you to look into!

What do you think of these answers to these common questions? Let us know!

Managing Your Time And Stress As The Year Wraps Up

Spring semester finals have always been rough. The weather is warming up outside, and no one has any desire to dedicate time to studying. No time spent studying means stressing over feeling unprepared for finals, which, for me means wanting to relax and just watch some Netflix. That means I’m not studying and I’m feeling even more stressed. It becomes a viscous circle and we’ve all been there.

Luckily, a quick search on Google can you give you plethora of tips and tricks for managing time and stress. These are some of my personal favorites.

Schedule a time to study

This doesn’t mean just thinking to yourself that you can study for an hour at some point later, maybe. Write it down in your planner, put it on your calendar on your phone, set an alarm on your laptop. When you take the time to plan out a study schedule, you’re guaranteeing you’ll have enough time to devote to each exam. You’ll also have a way to hold yourself accountable.

Set up a strictly-work space

Trying to study in bed can wreak havoc your work goals. Since you’re already lounging in bed, it can make it easy to get distracted. On top of that, working in a space that’s meant to be a relaxing place for you can mess with your sleep schedule and stress levels. If you’re lucky enough to have the space where you live, try and choose a small area to get work done outside of your room. If not, head over to the library or the Tech center where you're forced to focus on work.

Take a break

Trying to run on all cylinders for the next week or so will burn you out. All the studying in the world won’t help if you’re so stressed you can’t think straight. So give yourself a break and do something you enjoy, whether it’s running or painting or heading to the coffee shop. Schedule it in after your study time if you have to. I’d recommend avoiding Netflix though. That Auto Playback will get you every time. 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Helena Wilcox.

Unconventional Stress Relief Tips

     If you Google “stress relief”, thousands of articles will come up with suggestions you've been hearing from your mom since middle school: get a good night’s rest, eat healthy, etc.

     However, as PR majors, our lives become so hectic, oftentimes, these helpful tips are not enough to keep a crisis at bay.

     If you are looking for a new way to de-stress after a long day, week, or month, take a look at these three unconventional stress-relieving practices that have helped others in the past:

1. Read a Book: Diving into a good read that you have been anxious to start will help you de-stress, and no, a textbook does not count.  Reading transports you to another place and forces an individual to focus on the novel without thinking about other things. Also, reading gives you an opportunity to settle down in your favorite cozy spot with a snack, coffee, or hot chocolate.

2. Interact with Animals: It has been scientifically proven that animals can be a de-stressing agent for the humans they come into contact with. If you can afford to adopt a pet, that is the best option, however, if you can’t, taking some time to visit or volunteer at an animal shelter will give you a chance to play with as many animals as you want, for free! Many city shelters look for people to socialize animals they hope to adopt out, so this will be a win-win for you and the animals you visit!

3. Start a Journal: This may seem like something you would tell an elementary school student to do, however, journal-writing is a great way to release tension and stress in a way that won’t cause you consequences. Many people bottle up stress and frustration to the point where it boils over and cause problems. This is why it is important to be open about your feelings, and sometimes, a word dump is the best thing to do.

     Do you have any advice for relieving stress? If so, let us know in the comment section!

Burnout Season

If you're anything like me, finals season can be quickly followed up by burnout season. After the end of a long and taxing semester it's easy to still feel wound up, stressed out, and overall exhausted. After all, if you're interning, freelancing, or on an executive board for an organization at your school you know those responsibilities don't take a break just because classes do. However, it is possible to get a little R&R while still getting your work done. Here are a few tips on how to truly make the most of your time off from school.

• Have one email free day a week. I know some of you readers who are also in public relations probably just cringed, but one day of being logged out won't kill you. Email is probably one of the most anxiety-inducing tasks we have to face so stepping away from it one day out of the week could prove to be a huge stress reliever. If something comes up that requires your immediate attention, I'm sure there are alternative methods to get in contact with you.
• Reward yourself. Just finish a huge project you've been putting off until winter break or had a super long day at work? Instead of running home to crash in your bed, take a moment to treat yourself to something you really enjoy. Whether that comes in the form of ice cream, going to the movies with friends, or people watching at a cafe, do something you love. After all, you just spent the past few hours on something you're not too fond of; it's only right that you balance it out. Your bed will still be around once you get home.  
• Plan for the future. Okay, I understand this sounds like an odd tip compared to the first two, but if you love what you do this should be exciting for you. We've discussed on this blog before how important winter break can be in finding a job. Take the extra time you have to dig a little deeper and uncover what your dream job looks like. Just because you haven't seen it on a job posting doesn't mean it's not out there. Hone in on your passions, find out who doing something similar, and ask them how they got there. If you're in the right field, this shouldn't feel like work, rather a learning opportunity.

There are so many ways to balance responsibilities and relaxation; these are just a few. What things work for you? Share your own experiences in the comments below!

Declutter Your Life

At this point of the year, your brain is full to bursting with knowledge you may or may not ever use again (unless you're taking all PR classes, then you're just bursting with fabulous knowledge you'll be grateful for forever)--am I right?

Before you have an inevitable mental breakdown, let me offer you some tips on how to declutter your mind and your life and help you breathe again.

Step 1: Organize your inbox.  Take half and hour to get all those emails either into a folder or into the trash. Did you feel the tension in your shoulders release? I thought so.

Step 2: Clean your room. It's a lot easier to get work done when dirty socks and wash you should have folded a week ago aren't staring you in the face.

Step 3: Situate your personal life. Is there tension between you and your roommates? Are you frustrated by a group project? Actually have a conversation with these people and you'll see that coming to a solution isn't as hard as it seems.

Step 4: Declutter your soul. It may sound cheesy but doing something that makes you feel good inside is incredibly beneficial.  Help out with a neighborhood clean-up or volunteer to work a 5k benefiting a good cause. A happier heart makes for a happier you.

What do you find most effective when you're overwhelmed and feeling pretty cluttered?

Along those lines, check out this funny Buzzfeed video: 35 Things to Get Rid of to Declutter Your Life.

Finding A Balance: Your Personal Trapeze Act

As PR students, each and every one of us loves to stay busy – we know what we’re getting into. Just because we like the fast life of tackling assignments, scheduling interviews, spending hours in the office, working late at events, and studying for classes, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t catch up to us sometimes. With an internship, job, involvement in three student organizations, and five classes, I know what it’s like to feel the pressure of a busy schedule. Try out these three tips I rely on to stay sane and balanced during even the most hectic week:

1.     Create a positive vibe   

I personally believe that allowing yourself to be in a happy mindset is the number one way to relieve stress and stay focused. Don’t be afraid to indulge in a cliché. Light your favorite candles to spread a calming set and feel relaxed. Hang string lights around your desk or workspace so that you don’t have to be seated in harsh lighting 24/7. Treat yourself to your absolute favorite coffee or tea to keep you motivated on the task at hand.

 
2.     Make a timeline
Organization is key, so be sure to stay that way when it comes to your schedule. Write down all of the tasks you need to accomplish in order of importance, and with deadline in mind. Give yourself time before deadlines to revisit what you’ve created and make any edits, so that you can still send in your best work, even though you found it hard to find time to complete the assignment. I’m a huge fan of post-its, so I write down each individual task and deadline on a post-it and stick it to my wall. Once I finish the task, I remove the post-it! This is simple way of tracking everything you need to get done.

 
3.     Sleep!
All-nighters are never the answer. I have never pulled one off, and not sure I ever will. Incorporate a good night’s sleep into your schedule. You don’t need to declare a specific “bedtime,” but don’t overbook yourself for the entire day. It’s important that you get the proper rest you need, so that you can continue to put your best foot forward every morning when you wake up. Every day is a new day, and you may even find yourself with more creative ideas once you wake up!

It’s the easiest thing to become stressed during a college semester. Always remember that you’re doing all of these internships, student organizations, and classes to improve yourself, but including quality time with friends and catching up on your favorite TV shows is key to a successful schedule and a happy you!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Alyssa Guckin. 

Don't Forget About R&R

Some of the most successful public relations students I know are also some of the busiest.  They're juggling multiple student organizations, full class loads, internships, and jobs.  Sometimes there is even more thrown into the mix.  While being busy can help you learn how to manage your time, it can also be a ticking bomb.  To keep yourself from getting over-stressed it's important to remember to get some rest and relaxation. 

Take five minute breaks every hour. Peel your eyes away from the computer screen and eat a snack, walk around, or just daydream for a few minutes.  This will help your brain rejuvenate.

Set aside time at the end of the day.  Whether it's reading a chapter of a book (textbooks don't count!), watching an episode of your favorite TV show, or just catching up on social media, you need to set aside time to do something for YOU.

Don't forget your friends.  Schedules conflict and people get busy and it may feel like you don't see your friends and roommates for days at a time.  This is why it's important to always keep them in mind and know that you're all there for each other, even if you don't see one another every single day anymore.

Do you have any tips about how to break away from your busy schedule for a little R&R? We want to hear from you!

Advice For The End Of The Rope

As PR professionals, we are known for wanting to get things done right, in a timely manner, the first time around. What this usually boils down to is us exclaiming "I can just do it better myself." Before we know it, we are sitting under a pile of stress, operating like a robot, getting through the day on too many cups of coffee with our loved ones questioning our sanity. While the events leading up to us reaching the end of our ropes are often out of our control, there are ways to get things done without, for lack of a better word, dying.

If you find yourself on the edge, please don't jump! Instead, utilize some of these tips to help get you through:

• Speak up: PR professionals like to look as though we have everything under total control, even when we're sweating bullets and crying between press conferences. If you know you are starting to get overwhelmed, talk to your team, your friends, anyone! Going through it alone won't make anything better.
• Ask for help: Accept the fact that two heads are better than one, and you can't do this alone. Call in reinforcements, delegate responsibilities, and trust in the abilities of others. Contrary to popular belief, you aren't the only one who can get things done. There is likely a young intern around who is more than willing to help out!
• "No" isn't a bad word: You are only one person, and while multitasking is sometimes necessary it doesn't enable you to be everything to everyone. If someone asks you to do something that you cannot manage, say no. If it really needs to be done, someone will do it. 
• Put yourself first: It's one thing when work is stressful, but when you bring that stress home, it makes for a very tough situation. When you stop working for the day, do something that allow you to rejuvenate and prepare for the next steps. Eating well and getting sleep should be at the top of your list of priorities. 

While taking your job seriously is important, it isn't everything. The same way the world keeps spinning while you're asleep, it will also keep spinning if you say no or take a day off. At the end of the day, it's just PR.

Overwhelmed? Overcome it!

For most of us college students, today marks the end of our first week back on campus. We still haven't mastered our schedules, are most definitely sleep deprived and still have textbooks to purchase. It all can seem, well - a bit overwhelming. Stress and time management are common themes in the world of academia. It is always beneficial, instead of diving in head first, to step back and look at what you can do to help yourself before the semester truly begins.

Here are some things you can do to get yourself organized, relaxed and ready to bring on the spring semester!

1. Schedule your day, down to the hour - Having everything you need to accomplish written down on a schedule or in a planner will help you to procrastinate less and focus more.

2. Take your time - Quality is better than quantity. Don't rush small assignments in the beginning of the semester because that will become a habit all semester long. Make sure you give yourself enough time to produce quality work.

3. Don't take more on than you can handle - Think you can handle 18 credits, a part time job, an internship AND a social life? It will never happen. Make sure your plate isn't too full this semester so you can focus better.