10 Ways Medical Executives Manage Stress & Gain Work-Life Balance

As a healthcare tech leader in the medical field, I need to balance the demands of my role with personal well-being. While those known to be creative and tenacious, it’s all about a balance. Realistically, the intense pressure to deliver exceptional patient care, oversee complex operations, and make strategic decisions can breed stress.

I’ve learned that achieving a sustainable work-life balance is crucial ––  for personal health––and for effective leadership and organizational success.

If you want to operate at peak performance in the medical field and take healthcare innovation from concept to commercial success, learn to manage stress and burnout.

To perform well and avoid long-term negative health consequences, prioritize mental health and strategically address these issues.

Successful medical executives find ways to maintain the mind-body connection. You can work until you drop but eventually, that’ll catch up to you or you’ll learn that you must change course.

For long-term success, it’s critical to support your mindset, mental health, and energy rather than solely focusing on their brand. At the end of the day, if you are a medical sales professional and don’t look after yourself, you miss out on operating at your highest level.

Here are a few proactive strategies I’ve learned and am exploring for medical executives to manage stress and maintain equilibrium:

1.  Shift your energy

Recently, I visited a crystal shop. While not usually my type of place, my wife and I stumbled across it on vacation. It had this “cool hippie vibe” that just spoke to us.

Inside, we spotted a Black Amethyst Crystal. It boasted fantastic energy for grounding, soothing intuition, and removing radiation while stimulating and realigning the third eye, crown chakra, and root chakra. This crystal enables connection with the Higher Self – so we brought it home.

While I can’t confirm the effects on any chakras, it has helped boost my office atmosphere and personal energy. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of that great trip – and if my aura is shining a little brighter well, now you know why. With life venturing sometimes in unexpected directions, staying grounded and clear is vital for balance and productivity.

There are simple things we can do to shift our energy to make positive changes, too.

For example, standing vs. sitting can change the energy and liven up a presentation. For some, clapping hands, humming, or practicing Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can even shift emotions and realign their energy for balance and harmony. I love to experiment different ways to realign my energy, so I am always doing my best.

2. Set boundaries

Creating clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for success.

If I don’t set boundaries, my life becomes chaotic – as I’m sure you can relate.

A FlexJobs survey showed that 80% of professionals feel more relaxed and focused when setting firm boundaries between work and home life (FlexJobs, 2022). Medical sales executives can preserve their personal time by establishing and following specific work hours. It takes a lot of discipline and planning, but it can be done.

3. Reduce overthinking

“Going in the red” is a widespread practice.

Medical sales executives spend considerable time approaching stressful states, even overthinking – from stressing over product launches to data to scaling a team or prepping the CEO for his next meeting with the board – which can fuel irrational thoughts, even anxiety.

But going in the red overstresses us and can even cause the body becomes hyperstressed, the limbs to stiffen, and the mood to worsen.

So, while it may not make a commercial strategy manual – to perform, it’s important to reset and remain in a calm state.

A few weeks ago, I was having a challenging week. Nevertheless, I took some advice from my coach for resetting and reframing thoughts to manage my state of mind.

Her Advice: Paying attention to your mind-body connection is essential for grounding.

My life coach suggested when I am going into the “yellow zone”, to keep my body grounded so I don’t go into the red. She recommended a tapping technique, which worked despite my doubts.

In the end, it’s about being proactive and nipping those unhealthy states before they escalate into a vicious cycle – and derail you personally and professionally.

4. Eat healthy and stay active with a daily routine

Another major focus for my family is a balanced diet. Eating healthy and organic foods, enough lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some healthy grains are some of my standard practices for maintaining good health and warding off illnesses.

Yet, digesting these foods properly is even more important for sound digestion, which means eating foods that align with the body, mind, and spirit. Taking probiotics can also restore the gut.

We eat organic, we wash our fruits and vegetables. ….We’ve tried to remove all seed oils from our food. And while we’re not perfect – I still wash my clothes with Tide – we do what we can with the information we have.

Key: Schedule a morning exercise routine.

Waking up a few hours earlier can drive productivity, a healthier mindset, and set the tone for the entire day.

Fun Fact: Studies show that 20 minutes of physical activity can gradually improve mood and decrease stress levels (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

5. Take a vacation

A vacation helps me put things into perspective.

How often do we trade our success for time and work right through? Hitting the desk early with a coffee and then looking up to find it’s already past 5pm.

Taking frequent breaks revitalizes the entire being and is vital for maintaining productivity and reducing stress. For instance, the Pomodoro Technique requires working for 25 minutes followed by a five-minute break, with a 15-minute break once every two hours. A University of Illinois study stated that brief work breaks improve focus and productivity (University of Illinois, 2022). Medical sales executives should schedule regular short breaks throughout their day to recharge.

It can help medical sales CEOS feel more engaged at work and in life. When you choose to skip vacations or breaks, though, you risk burning out. We’ve all been there. You don’t benefit yourself, patients, healthcare teams, or the community.

The Lesson: Be kind to yourself – so you can be kind to others.

Fun Fact: Taking a 5-minute break every hour can improve productivity by 10% (University of Illinois, 2022).

6. Stay optimistic, focused, and empowered

Medical studies indicate optimists enjoy better health and sleep.

No secret. It’s the power of the subconscious mind.

When life throws you curve balls, staying the course, projecting the positives, and focusing on your goals can foster empowering outcomes. Negative energy is infection and I find it can make me a magnet for low resonance situations and people. Recognizing this has made all the difference.

Meditate, do yoga, visualize, and say your affirmations – whatever it is that works for you.

Self-discipline is a real game-changer, especially for medical sales executives.

Mindfulness and meditation are not just trendy—they’re supported by science. Research in JAMA Internal Medicine demonstrates that mindfulness-based practices can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression (Goyal et al., 2014).

Fun Fact: Just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness meditation can strengthen focus and reduce stress (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014).

7. Collaborate and brainstorm with like-minded people

Strength grows in numbers.

When people engage in a group with like-minded people who share their values and interests – we become more engaged, inspired, creative, confident, and genuinely connected.

It’s where the magic happens.

Collaboratively brainstorming on inspiring topics help us learn more about ourselves, others, and life while uncovering amazing solutions.

8. Delegate tasks wisely

Did you know that effective delegation can reduce strain for medical executives?

By empowering my team with value-driven responsibilities, I can focus on higher-priority tasks and decrease my overall workload.

The Harvard Business Review claims that delegating more responsibility boosts productivity, morale, and commitment, supporting company culture.

9. Seek professional support

Sometimes, professional support or mentoring is necessary to help one get unstuck. Engaging with a coach, therapist, or counselor can help you face life head on and tackle those grey areas. They can encourage regular reflection on achievements, issues, and areas for improvement. Professional guidance can help you navigate work challenges while maintaining mental and emotional wellness.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, therapy can provide robust strategies for managing stress and improving mental health (NIMH, 2023).

Bottom Line: Medical sales executives should seek counseling or therapy if they feel overwhelmed.

As a medical sales executive, you may feel a greater sense of accomplishment, clarity, and direction from professional support. Also, it will help lower cortisol levels that elevate stress and enhance life satisfaction.

Fun Fact: Approximately 40% of people seeking therapy report decreased stress and anxiety (NIMH, 2023).

10. Encourage a supportive work environment

People have the power to influence organizational culture. As a Medical Sales Executive, I believe it’s all about staying in action, team dynamics, and collaboration.

When my team and I are empowered and in sync, patients and other key stakeholders are happier too.

Promote work-life balance initiatives – flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and adequate time off. Leading by example and advocating for these practices can drive a healthier and more prosperous work environment.

The little things, like encouraging open communication, offering team support and recognition, and welcoming open and constructive feedback go a long way to promoting a healthy work-life culture.

Your employees will become more motivated and engaged – and they will be grateful for your amazing change leadership.

Key Fact: A positive work culture can enhance team camaraderie, stress reduction, and overall career satisfaction.

Conclusion

Managing stress and achieving work-life balance aids the well-being of medical executives. By incorporating simple strategies like regular exercise, setting boundaries, and seeking ways to support mental well-being —medical executives can enhance their quality of life and work significantly.

But it goes beyond that – I’ve learned it’s also about listening to the inner wisdom of the body and soul, and respecting yourself and your boundaries as a priority.

It’s 2024, self-care isn’t a luxury.

It’s essential to regularly assess and adjust your approach to maintain your well-being and professional success.

So be kind to yourself first. Treat others with respect. And honor your vision and mission.

You’ve got this.
Stay in action (the right ones),
-Steve Sapot