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.