There’s no question that being an administrative assistant can be a demanding job. You’re constantly juggling tasks, managing schedules, and keeping things running smoothly for your boss. It’s enough to drive any sane person crazy! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are five key tips to help keep your sanity in your admin job.
Take Breaks Often and Move Your Body
We’ve all been there. You’re stuck at a desk all day, your eyes glued to a screen and your hands hovering over a keyboard. Over time, this can take a toll on your body and your mind.
That’s why it’s so important to take breaks often and move your body while you’re at work. Stretching really helps to minimize wear and tear on your body and help relieve stress. There are many in-office stretches available on YouTube to help you with your problem areas.
If you have time, taking a walk can also be refreshing. Taking your eyes off of a screen and resting them can help relieve eye strain. By taking some time for yourself throughout the day, you’ll be able to stay sane as an admin and be more productive in the long run!
Also different strokes for different folks, some people feel better when they breaks throughout the day, and some prefer to power through (like me). However, even if you’re a a power through-er like me, you can at least stretch while thinking. Just give it a whirl, it can take less than 20 seconds to stretch!
Connect with Other Admins, Even Virtually
Being an admin can be a lonely job *cough * the purpose of this blog *cough*.
You might feel like you’re the only one who understands the challenges and demands of the role. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
There are other admins out there who understand exactly what you’re going through. Connecting with them can help you feel validated and less crazy. Even if you don’t work in proximity to other admins, you can try to join administrative communities or talk to admins from other departments.
Just like in other professions, only other admins can truly understand some aspects or feelings about our job. So reach out and connect with your fellow admins. It could be the key to staying sane.
Check out these options:
- Have a Seat…Conversations with Women in the Workplace Podcast
- Exceptional Admins & Exceptional Admins Podcast
- International Association of Administrative Professionals
- Invite an admin out for a coffee or lunch!
Focus on Your Mental Health
As an administrative professional, it’s easy to get bogged down by the never-ending list of tasks, both big and small. But it’s important to remember that our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and sometimes we need to take a step back to focus on staying sane.
Not checking in with yourself can lead to burnout which can have harder and longer recovery time.
Whether it’s through therapy, a spirituality, or simply taking some time for yourself each day, make sure you prioritize your mental health. As you know, I strongly encourage and promote therapy because I appreciate having an objective voice to help sort through all the thoughts!
It’ll not only make you happier and more productive in the long run, but it’ll also set a good example for those around you. After all, we can’t take care of others if we’re not taking care of ourselves first.
Remember Your Purpose
The admin life can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the momentum of work, the mission, emotions of doing our work.
When things get really overwhelming and you feel you’re being swallowed up by the momentum, I try to remember what my job priorities were and it helps me to simplify and quiet the chaos.
That doesn’t mean that everything stops being urgent, but it allows me to focus on what’s most important in the moment and breathe through it. And it helps me to simplify and quiet the noise.
So if you’re feeling lost in the shuffle, take a step back and remember your purpose. It’s what will help you keep your sanity in your admin job.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments!
As an administrative assistant, it is important to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how big or small.
That’s why, when I complete a project on time and under budget, I take a moment to savor the feeling of success. Whether it’s breaking my personal record for the number of tasks completed in a day or simply staying calm during a hectic meeting, each accomplishment is worth celebrating.
After all, staying sane as an admin requires finding moments of joy in the midst of seemingly endless checklists and paperwork. So go ahead and let yourself enjoy the fruits of your labor-you deserve it! Your hard work needs to be recognized!
Doing so will not only boost your morale, but it will also help you stay sane during a hectic work schedule.
Conclusion
We all know that administrative work can be taxing both mentally and emotionally. But it’s important to remember that we can take steps to manage our sanity and well-being in the workplace.
By taking breaks often, staying connected with other admins, focusing on our mental health, remembering our purpose, and celebrating our accomplishments, we can make the most of this challenging but rewarding career field.
What do you do to keep your sanity in your admin job? Leave a comment below!
Featured Photo by Callie Gibson on Unsplash
