How to Manage Deadline Stress in PR

Tiffany Cunningham

When we all have those whirlwind weeks, it’s important to remember the key ways to manage deadlines and the stress associated with those deadlines. As PR professionals, every day we are faced with deadline stress when we are trying to pitch an editorial piece, achieve key targets and milestones, and manage campaigns, projects and strategies. Below are some pieces of advice and my favorite ways to regain peace – even on the most stressful of days.

• Build a positive environment. Create positivity in your office by encouraging others and saying “good job” when a media hit comes through for any client. Offer to help your co-workers, when possible. An optimistic office that functions as a team will improve your overall work experience and help eliminate stress.
• Prioritize. Set daily, weekly or monthly goals – whatever works best for you – and make to-do lists. This is always a struggle of mine personally, but I have found that by setting reasonable and achievable goals, while following my to-do list, I manage my time and tasks much more effectively and remain levelheaded. 
• Take a break. When your brain feels like it’s spinning and you’re feeling extremely overwhelmed, a five-minute break can go a long way. A walk to the kitchen, around your building’s block, a break for coffee or logging onto your favorite blog to read the newest post can help to manage your stress. A short break helps you to regain focus, so you can deliver the highest quality of work.
• Exercise. A healthy lifestyle outside of the office will translate into less stress at the office. I personally enjoy running to take focus off any frustrations, in addition to frequent yoga sessions to stretch and relax.
• Keep your balance. As PR professionals, we are committed to communicating and responding instantly to the public and our clients, but in order to avoid harmful levels of stress, it is essential to try to avoid mixing home and work. To alleviate stress on the weekends and after work hours, check your work phone and email often, but don’t keep these devices glued to your body.
• Reward yourself. When you accomplish a big goal, reward yourself! A little vacation or spa day may be just what your mind and body needs to de-stress.