FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESK
Take a Stress-Less Challenge: How to Turn it into Energy
By Sarah Searles, CDAL A
s senior living operators working in an unprecedented time in our industry, our days are fraught with
staffing challenges, occupancy struggles, and the demands of doing more with less, while maintaining quality care and services. It’s hardly surprising that many of us
feel increasing stress in attempting to meet what have become competing priorities. It’s easy to allow our feelings to overwhelm us, hindering our ability to remember why we went into this fi eld. But the same stress that keeps us up at
night can be transformed into action that motivates us to continue moving forward and take our organizations to new heights. To see obstacles as opportunities. And to make us better leaders. It’s time for a new perspective on stress. Copious research indicates the dangers
of prolonged stress. However, most experts agree that it is not the stressor itself, but how we react to it, that causes us to experience negative emotions and physical side eff ects. Our perception becomes our reality.
From stress to momentum What does it take to harness the energy of stress and turn it into forward momentum? There’s no simple solution, but change must start with you. This first step requires some honest
self-evaluation. Ask yourself, “How can I shift my mindset (and my behavior) so that others will see me this way?”
Consciously acknowledging your mindset
and how you choose to respond in any giv- en situation not only builds resilience and self-awareness, it ensures that you consistent- ly react to situations with a positive attitude. Here are a couple challenges I’ve found useful in changing my perceptions. Challenge 1: Write one or two trigger words or phrases in your calendar each day, to re- mind you to focus on the way you want to be perceived. Before you get ready to start your day, review them and re-focus your energy. Re-visit
this as often as you need to
throughout your day, consciously adjusting your attitude as needed. As with any skill worth having, this takes practice! But the pay-off is immeasurable. Next, put your “why” into action. Many
of us realized long ago that we have a passion for caring for others. However, remembering our “why” is only as good as the action that results from living it each day. Getting consumed by the day-to-day tasks we encounter often overshadows the fact that we chose a profession that is peo- ple-driven and people-centered. Challenge 2: The next time you interact with a team member, a resident, or family member, ask yourself, “What does this per- son need right now that I can do to best serve them?” Be present; really listen to what the per-
son is telling you. Tap into your emotional intelligence, and then act. You may find yourself stepping outside of the proverbial
box from time to time, but I guaran- tee that
if you act
on your emotional instinct, the energy you receive in return will fuel your soul. Challenge 3: Educate. Make the decision to enhance your exper- tise and acquire the tools you need to pro- actively manage situ- ations before they escalate and feel confi dent in your ability to respond if they do. After all, knowledge is energy just waiting to be applied! Arm yourself with the education, skills,
Sara Searles, CDAL Executive Director, New Perspective Senior Living, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
and support you need to be successful re- gardless of the circumstance. Attend a con- ference, take a class, network with peers, or get your certifi cation. I recently earned the Certifi ed Director of Assisted Living desig- nation, and it was a boost to my confi dence and energy. The skills and abilities you need to trans-
form stress into action begin and end with you. But without acknowledging our own perspective on stress, it can only be a barrier. Thoughts lead to actions, and actions lead to habits—so why not make them positive? And here’s one last challenge: Don’t just
try to be the change you wish to see in the world. Instead, change how you perceive the world, and you surely will change it.
Arm yourself with the education, skills, and support you need to be successful regardless of the circumstance. I recently earned the Certified Director of Assisted Living designation, and it was a boost to my confidence and energy.
48 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE MAY/JUNE 2019
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
