Mental health tips to keep you going in sales

For all the bad rep sales representatives get, sales can be a mental challenge, especially when you are not selling well. Research shows that sales is amongst the top five most stressful professions. This is not attributed to one single factor. There are so many factors that come into play in sales, all of which can contribute to stress. Pressure to meet your targets, long hours, working with difficult customers and more can all take their toll on your mental health. With growing concern about mental health, organizations have been spending quite a bit on the mental health of their employees.

 

In 2022, across the United States, it is estimated that there will be 1,15,000 mental health providers. This number is growing as the need for mental health support grows. And this is not just in the US. In the UK, an increase of 700% in people seeking help for work-related stress and anxiety was reported by The Guardian in 2017. This was attributed to the fact that people are now more open to discussing their mental health and seeking help. So, what can you do to ensure that you look after your mental health in sales?

 

Deep breaths: Deep breaths make everything better. Don’t believe us? Drop everything you are doing right now and take a few deep breaths. As simple as it sounds, deep breaths have been proven to help manage stress. In a research study done by Harvard Medical School, it was found that deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response. This is the opposite of the stress response, characterized by shallow breathing. So, the next time you feel stressed, take a few deep breaths and see if it doesn’t help you feel better.

 

Exercise: Exercise is not just good for your physical health but also your mental health. Research has shown that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It does this by releasing endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. So, making time for exercise, even if it is just a quick walk around the block, can help improve your mental state.

 

12-step programs: One of the best things to come out of hours and hours of mental health research is the 12-step program. The 12-step program is a series of steps that help people recover from addiction. These steps can also be applied to other areas of life, including managing stress and anxiety. The 12 steps are:

1. Admit that you have a problem
2. Believe that you can solve the problem
3. Decide to solve the problem
4. Take action to solve the problem
5. Stick with your decision
6. Find a support group
7. Get rid of anything that triggers your stress or anxiety
8. Create a healthy lifestyle
9. Set goals and achieve them
10. Reward yourself for progress
11. Help others who are struggling
12. Never give up

 

While some of these steps may seem daunting, even just following a few can make a world of difference to your mental health.

 

Talk to someone: One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to talk to someone about what you are going through. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who you feel comfortable talking. Talking about what is going on in your life can help you process your thoughts and feelings and can also help you come up with solutions to problems. Additionally, it can make you feel better knowing someone is there for you and wants to help.

 

Take breaks: When feeling overwhelmed, it is important to take breaks. This could be a short break to walk around the block or a longer break to take a vacation. Taking breaks can help you recharge and feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever is stressing you out. It can also help your perspective on your problems and may even help you find solutions you wouldn’t have thought of before.

 

Meditation and medication: Two M’s for the victory lap. Meditation has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can help improve focus and concentration. If you are new to meditation, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.

As for medication, it should only be considered as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. This is because the medication can have side effects and may not be necessary if other methods work for you. However, medication may be the best option if you have tried everything else and nothing works.

 

These are just a few ways to look after your mental health in sales. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. With a job as stressful as sales, it is even more important to ensure you are taking care of your mental health. So, don’t forget to take breaks, talk to someone, and find healthy ways to cope with stress. Your mental health will thank you for it!