Your alarm blares for the umpteenth time. Snooze button, abused. You’re late for work, skip breakfast, and spill coffee on your suit. At the office, you call customers who aren’t interested. You push for new leads, but they choose your biggest competitor. You keep going, driven by quotas to support your family.
If you’re in sales, this scene might sound familiar. Salespeople are expected to be energetic, but long hours, growing responsibilities, and quota pressure can take a toll. Experts say sales professionals are often overworked.
The Stress-Sales Connection
We all know stress is bad. It can lead to overeating, sleep issues, and diseases like diabetes and hypertension. But did you know stress also has economic consequences? According to Farleigh Dickinson University, workplace stress costs U.S. employers an estimated $200 billion per year in absenteeism, lower productivity, staff turnover, workers’ compensation, medical insurance, and other stress-related expenses.
High stress levels can hurt your sales team. Stressed sales reps are less involved, less committed, and less satisfied with their jobs and lives. They perform poorly and are more likely to leave the organization. This leads to unmet targets and decreasing sales, creating a vicious cycle of stress and declining performance.
Proven Stress-Busting Techniques for Salespeople
Understand the 4 A’s
Stress often comes from feeling out of control. Recognize that you can control how you respond to problems. The Mayo Clinic suggests the 4 A’s approach to dealing with stress: Alter, Avoid, Accept, or Adapt.
- Alter: Change the situation. If you’re stressed about being late, set an alarm to leave earlier.
- Avoid: Sometimes, avoiding a stressful situation is best. Learn to say no to unreasonable requests.
- Accept: Some things can’t be changed. Accept that some leads will reject your offer.
- Adapt: Look at the bigger picture. Will this matter in a month or a year? If not, stop worrying.
Be Flexible
Good salespeople are resilient. They handle stress, find silver linings, and learn from mistakes. Develop resilience by being flexible. If your shift changes, look for positives and make arrangements to ease the transition.
Live Well
Your physical well-being affects your ability to handle stress. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise. Some tips:
- Stretch when tired.
- Walk to the cafeteria instead of getting food delivered.
- Limit coffee to two cups a day.
- Get 8 hours of sleep. Use soothing sounds or blinds to help you sleep.
- Avoid too much alcohol, sweets, or carbonated drinks. Snack on fruits and nuts.
- Find a workout buddy to stay motivated.
- Make It a Team Effort
Stress-busting works best when the whole team is involved. Foster camaraderie and cooperation among your sales reps. After a tough call, take a break and talk with friendly colleagues. A support group can provide perspective and reassurance, reducing stress levels.
Get Organized
A chaotic workspace can add to your stress. Here are some tips to make your workspace more productive and less stressful:
- Keep Your Desk Neat: Use file folders, baskets, or containers to keep things organized. Group similar items together.
- Declutter Your Computer: Ensure your electronic files are as organized as your physical ones. Avoid dumping everything on your desktop or in My Documents. Use tools to manage your email.
- Use To-Do Lists: Keep a notebook or document to list your daily tasks and check off completed ones. This helps you prioritize and feel more productive.
Learn to Relax
You don’t need a three-week vacation to relax. Here are some simple ways to unwind, even at your desk:
- Breathing Exercises: Try the 4×4 breathing exercise. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale through your mouth for four counts, then wait for four seconds. Repeat four times. This can slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Listen to Music: Music can soothe or energize you. Play relaxing music when you need to calm down, or upbeat tunes when you need a pick-me-up.
- Simple Massage Techniques: Press a fingertip into the point of most pain or tension for up to a minute to relieve headaches or tension. Aromatherapy oils can also help.
Take Time Off
A vacation is a time for well-deserved rest. Make the most of it by unplugging from social media and other electronic devices that remind you of work stress. Spend time doing things you enjoy, whether it’s cooking, playing sports, fishing, or simply enjoying a glass of wine. Spend time with people who invigorate and inspire you, like mentors, family, and friends, or just enjoy some alone time. This can provide relief and help you win the war over stress.
Conclusion
Stress and anxiety can significantly impact your performance and well-being. By implementing these simple techniques, you can create a more organized, relaxed, and productive work environment. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as meeting your sales targets.
If stress and anxiety are affecting your life, don’t hesitate to reach out. Book a free consultation with me today, and let’s work together to find the best strategies to help you thrive. Your well-being is worth it.