How to Manage Stress as a Solo Learning and Development Professional
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  • Writer's pictureIrina Ketkin
    • Oct 10, 2023
    • 8 min read

How to Manage Stress as a Solo Learning and Development Professional

So, you're a one-person show in the high-stakes world of Learning and Development? Bravo! But let's face it, juggling all those roles—trainer, instructional designer, admin whiz—can be like herding cats while walking a tightrope. Stress and burnout aren't just pesky buzzwords; they're real occupational hazards that can clip your wings and thwart that skyward trajectory. Read on for tips that will not only keep you grounded but also ensure your solo L&D act is a long-running hit!


How to Manage Stress as a Solo Learning and Development Professional - The L&D Academy

Table of Contents:



Tip 1: Prioritize and Set Realistic Goals


When you work by yourself, everything depends on you. But the simple truth is that if everything is important – nothing is. Your number one task is to figure out which of your activities are most important and, by extension, most impactful for the organization. Would attending an all-hands HR meeting be as impactful as conducting interviews for the learning needs assessment for next year? Or will curating existing resources into a learning path be more impactful than designing a workshop on diversity and inclusion?


Understand the scope of each of your tasks and consider how important and urgent each one is. Use the Eisenhower matrix to determine where your efforts will be best spent.


And just because you’ve determined what to work on in January doesn’t mean that things won’t change by February. Make sure you regularly review and adjust your goals. You can do this on a monthly or quarterly basis and make adjustments based on what’s been achieved or any unforeseen challenges.



Tip 2: Develop a Healthy Work-Life Balance


If you’re anything like us, you love your job, and you want to do it well. But does your personal life suffer for it? As a popular saying goes, “The only ones who will remember you’ve worked long hours and weekends are your children”. You need to define clear work-life boundaries, especially as a solo L&D pro. Set specific hours for work and for leisure. Block time, if needed, to rest and relax. Don’t look at this as wasted time – look at it as recuperation that brings you new energy and allows you to continue bringing top-notch services to your customers.


Tip 3: Learn to Say “No”


This next tip to guard your sanity might be easier said than done, but here it is nonetheless – learn to say “No!” You have a limited capacity and can handle only so much workload. Here’s what you can do:

  • Make informed decisions about whether to take on additional tasks. Ask as many questions as possible to determine what this or that task will entail. You need to clearly understand the ramifications of taking on additional work – will it affect your performance? Will it lead to burnout? Sometimes, it’s just not worth taking it on.

  • Prioritize any existing commitments and promises you’ve made to your stakeholders. After all, your reputation depends on it! And you are nothing without your reputation.

  • If you have to say “no”, do not be blunt or rude about it. Politely explain why you won’t be able to do the task and offer to do something else for them (like recommend a training/coaching vendor they can approach or seek recommendations from other employees or managers).

  • Once you’ve made your decision, stick to it. It helps set expectations and boundaries with your colleagues.

  • Don’t say “No” too often. It goes back to your reputation – if you become known as a bottleneck, people will start to avoid you altogether and exclude you from important projects or challenges.

  • If your bandwidth expands, go back to the people you said “no” to and agree to take on the additional tasks and responsibilities.


Tip 4: Leverage Technology for Efficiency


Your computer and phone can be distractions, but they can also help you stay focused and efficient. For one, you can use project management tools, like Asana and Trello, to assign tasks, track deadlines and visualize your workflow.


Another tool to consider are time-tracking apps, like Clockify, Harvest and Toggl Track. Remember to track your time for at least a week (ideally more) to get enough data to analyze and see where your time goes. Specifically, pay attention to any bottlenecks or time-drainers you may not have been aware of.


Invest in learning everything you can about the softwares you work with most often. Learn the most common shortcuts, prepare templates (specifically for emails and messages you send often), bookmark important pages and so on. Anything that will save you some time and give you a peace of mind.


Keep in mind that technology can be a double-edged sword. While it can absolutely elevate your productivity, it can also become a source of additional stress. The trick is to balance your relationship with it:

  • Set specific “tech-free” slots in your schedule so that you can focus on the tasks that don’t require any digital devices.

  • Limit your notifications to only the most crucial ones – you don’t want to have to refocus on the task at hand after every email pop-up!

  • Bring in more face-to-face interactions or low-tech tasks to balance things out.


Tip 5: Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care


Ever feel like your mind is a browser with 42 tabs open, and someone is playing annoying pop-up ads in each one? Welcome to the world of information overload. Here's where mindfulness and self-care stride in like superheroes in capes.


The thing we’d recommend is Daily Mindfulness Practices. Ever tried meditation? It's not just for monks in far-off monasteries; it's for L&D pros like you who need a mental breather! Start with just 5 minutes a day. It's less time than you spend debating what to have for lunch. If meditation feels too "new age" for you, try deep-breathing exercises. Imagine you’re inflating a balloon in your belly; now, let it out slowly. You'll be surprised how such a simple thing can recenter your focus.


You need to think of self-care as your mental health's VIP lounge. Access is restricted only to activities that make you feel fabulous! You don't have to book a spa day to practice self-care (although, who'd say no to that?). Sometimes, it's as simple as enjoying a hot cup of tea, taking a quick walk, or heck, watching funny cat videos. Remember, a happier you is a more productive you. So, give yourself permission to indulge in some 'me time'.


Tip 6: Seek Support and Mentorship


Alright, Lone Ranger, it's time to talk about your squad goals. No person is an island, and even if you're rockin' the solo L&D scene, there's a whole community out there that can help you level up.


Finding a Mentor


Let's kick things off with finding a mentor. Imagine having a Yoda in your life, but instead of teaching you the ways of the Force, they guide you through the labyrinth of L&D. The right mentor can be your shortcut to years of experience, providing you with tips, insights, and occasionally, a shoulder to cry on when the PowerPoint slides just won’t align.


Want to work with us? Learn how here.


Joining Industry Groups


Moving on, ever heard of strength in numbers? That's what industry groups and forums are for. These are your proverbial watering holes where L&D gurus, novices, and everyone in-between come to sip on some collective wisdom. It's a fantastic place to network, share resources, and hey, even vent a little. Because let's face it, if anyone understands the pain of a misbehaving Learning Management System, it's them.


Outsourcing and Delegating


Now, let’s get real. You may be a Jack or Jill of all trades, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. If your to-do list is starting to resemble a Tolstoy novel, it might be time to think about outsourcing or delegating. Maybe you're not the best at graphic design; well, there are freelancers for that. Or perhaps you're swamped with analytics; in that case, why not assign it to a team member with a knack for numbers? Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, but they probably would have gotten a lot more done with some help.



So go ahead, extend your L&D family and bask in the wisdom, support, and camaraderie it provides. Trust me, your sanity will thank you.


Tip 7: Monitor Physical Health


Ah, physical health, the often-neglected cousin in the family of well-being, especially when you're buried in e-learning modules and leadership workshops. But let's face it, folks—your brain can't run on creative juices alone. Your body needs some TLC, too!


Exercise Routines


First things first, let's talk exercise. I can already hear the collective groans, "Who has time for that?" But hold your horses! I'm not talking about marathon training here. I mean, if you've got an hour to fall down a YouTube rabbit hole, you've got 15 minutes to do some stretches or push-ups. These little bursts of activity can actually boost your productivity and keep those endorphins flowing. Your potted plant will be the only thing not moving in your workspace!


Nutrition


Next on the menu—literally—is nutrition. You wouldn't put low-grade fuel in a luxury car, so why do it to your prime asset: you? A balanced diet isn't just for Instagram food bloggers; it's your secret weapon against fatigue and burnout. So the next time you reach for that third cup of coffee, maybe opt for a fruit or a handful of almonds instead. Your alertness levels will thank you, not to mention your waistline!


Regular Health Check-Ups


Last but not least, let's talk check-ups. I get it, nobody loves a date with their doctor, but consider it a necessary pit-stop on your journey to awesomeness. Keeping tabs on things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and other fun metrics is like your body's version of performance reviews. But unlike office evaluations, you actually want to know these numbers!


Tip 8: Celebrate Small Wins


Okay, pop quiz! What's more satisfying: devouring an entire cake in one go or savoring it slice by slice? If you went for the latter, you're already ahead of the game. Celebrating small wins is all about taking a moment to enjoy each delicious slice of your L&D journey.


Recognize Milestones


Now, let's talk about what a "small win" really is. Spoiler alert: It's not just about rolling out a successful training program or nabbing a big client. Sure, those are your blockbuster hits, but what about the indie films of your career? Like finally getting through to that one resistant team member, or getting a great evaluation score from a tough crowd? These are your "under-the-radar" triumphs, and they deserve a standing ovation—or at least a polite golf clap—from you.


The Ripple Effect


Ready to hear something magical? Small wins have this uncanny ability to snowball into bigger successes. Think of it as the ripple effect, like tossing a pebble into a pond. Each small win creates a ripple, boosting your morale and building momentum. Before you know it, those ripples have turned into a tidal wave of awesomeness! But it all starts with acknowledging and celebrating those mini victories. It's kind of like giving yourself a pat on the back, but without the awkward arm angles.


So, the next time you achieve something, no matter how trivial it might seem, take a moment to revel in it. Do a little dance, buy yourself that fancy coffee, or simply bask in your own glory for a few minutes. Because in the world of L&D, every win, no matter how small, is a piece of the greater puzzle called 'success.'


Conclusion


And there we have it, folks—a crash course in not crashing and burning in your solo L&D gig.


In a nutshell, we kicked off by prioritizing tasks—because your time's VIP list shouldn't be an open-door policy. Then, we hit the brakes to talk work-life balance and the power of "No," the two pillars holding up your stress-free fortress. We explored tech tools for efficiency and earmarked tech-free zones for peace. Mindfulness, self-care, mentorship, and industry groups made their cameos as the Swiss Army knives in your L&D toolkit. We also touched on outsourcing, because let's face it, even superheroes need a Robin. Fitness wasn't forgotten; remember, you're not just a brain on a stick. And finally, we cheered for celebrating small wins, the unsung heroes in your daily grind. Take these tips to heart and watch as your stress dwindles and your success soars. It's a win-win that even your future self will toast to.


So, what's the game plan? Simple: Start implementing these nuggets of wisdom today for a healthier, happier, and more harmonious work life. Trust us, your future (stress-reduced) self will want to give you a high-five. Get to it!

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