A communicator’s job is never finished. There is always one more task to be done, one more lead to explore, one more email to send. And let’s not forget the unwelcome but inevitable crisis that lurks in the shadows, ready to spring out when least expected and turn your world upside down.
You would think that a long day at the office negotiating the slings and arrows of life as a PR communicator would make you tired enough at the end of it to just throw yourself into bed and face dreamland with a smile. Unfortunately, for many communicators that’s not the case.
We recently asked PR News followers on Twitter what part of their jobs keeps them up at night? Here is what some had to say:
- What I might have missed.
- Caffeine OD after a busy Monday.
- Brainstorming. Somehow it always seems to start right as my head hits the pillow.
- Did I respond to that email?
- My never-ending to-do list.
- Wondering how the ad is going to look in the papers the next morning.
- Thinking about the next day.
Anything on this list look familiar?
If you are one of the many who find themselves tossing and turning at night over these and other things, then you might want to consider some changes to your nocturnal habits. In our culture, we like to brag about how little sleep we get, but lack of sleep turns your mind into mush and can lead to serious health problems.
So, stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on the weekends. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals in the evening. Engage in a calming activity like reading in the hour before going to sleep to wind down your brain. Exercise daily.
And if all else fails, count sheep. It really works.
Follow Richard Brownell: @RickBrownell
Hahaha. .. I thought only I had these disorders…
My favorite is waking up in the middle of the night out of a dead sleep thinking I missed a deadline.