Public relations is one of the most demanding professions to work in. It is a fast-paced and creative environment and no two days are the same. From creating impactful communications plans to media relations & monitoring, from constructing pitches, to writing client reports and networking are just some of the key attributes of the PR professional’s daily routine. It can be a highly stressful environment, so how do PR professionals recharge after the long hours spent at work?

Since April is the ‘Stress Awareness’ month in the UK, its important to evaluate your work-life balance. This includes highlighting the causes of stress, the negative effects of stress on the mind and body, and most importantly, how to relieve stress. Here are some tips from The PR Insider’s team on how they manage stress:

Operations Director:

“I try to digitally detox after work hours. It can be difficult to relax when we always have our phones on us, from the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, and it is difficult not be distracted. As working in PR is so fast-paced and you get pulled up for so many things, having moments with just reading a book or getting crafty are great alternatives that help me with stress management.”

Looking at a screen continuously has proven to be bad for your eyesight.

According to the American Association of Health, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has become a common problem and an estimated 45-70 million people in the US alone are estimated to be suffering from this. A study conducted by UCLA found that social media shows more impactful changes in the brain how social media and the internet particularly impacts the areas of your brain, which are usually deemed negative. On days off, it is good to step away from the hyper-digital environment of work and take a day out engaging in nature and the outdoors. Spending time with friends and family in fun and relaxing activities is also a great stress reliever.

Editor-In-Chief:

“Yoga is such a wonderful way to relax, you are not only relaxing your mind and body but exercising it too. Either doing yoga at home through an app or attending classes at the local gym works well me.”

Do some research on the kind of yoga that would be most suitable for yourself. The combination of stretching and meditation is not only a popular way to revive your mind and body but improves your flexibility.

Account Manager:

“Being social and spending time with friends and family is a great way for me to relieve stress. I can put my energy into listening to their stories, worries and activities. I also enjoy exploring new places to eat in London. It’s a great way to distract from work and really let your hair down with good company and good food.”
Physical exertion is also a great way to boost energy and stimulate feel-good endorphins. Why not try a 10-minute run for a week everyday or every other day? See the difference. Countless research has been done indicating how running or walking is simply the most effective form of exercise for building your fitness and managing stress.

Digital Designer:

“I personally enjoy online games. There are various new games that are both fun and educational. Strategy games, in particular, are great because you are putting your focus on something else during leisure time, but still exercising your mind. However, at times when I need to switch off from all things digital, cycling has worked well for my stress management.”

In a 2014 study by UCL London, researchers found that there was a clear correlation in playing online games and handling work-related stress better. So it seems our fascination with online gaming may be helping to alleviate the stresses of work.

Marketing & Business Development Manager:

“While exercise is important to me, I also invest in a good massage or spa treatment on a regular basis. Getting that extra bit of relaxation from the spa experience is a great way to escape your daily routine and works best for me .”

Escapism; whether taking a day trip to a nearby walking trail, booking yourself a pamper treatment or weekend trip. These are great ways to escape the everyday routine and take your mind elsewhere.

As much as it is fun to work in a digitally stimulating environment, we highly recommend digital detoxing. Moving away from technology and engaging in outdoor activities, have been effective ways of keeping The PR-Insider’s busy team revived. However, occasional video games and digital leisure can help with transferring your mind to a different virtual world.

Did you find The PR Insider’s guide to stress management useful? What are your best ways to relax? Share with us on Twitter or Instagram and tag us @CurzonPR

Curzon PR is a London-based PR firm working with clients globally. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Business Development Team [email protected]