Whether you run a company and manage your own operations, or work for a business as an operations manager for Health, there are key duties you will be expected to perform to keep everything running smoothly. On a typical day, operations managers are responsible for overseeing the production of goods in a business and do whatever they can to boost the efficiency of the production machine of the company. Keep Hydrated – Sensor taps are also a nice touch for the office.
To be at the top of your game and perform your role correctly, you must be in the right frame of mind. Operations managers are an integral part of any business, which is why you need to put your health and wellbeing before anything else to ensure you’re performing at 110%. To help, here are some of the best ways to keep your mind and body in check in this role.
Eat a Balanced Diet
When working in a management role, you need to fuel your body with the right foods to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. As an operations manager, you tend to be the glue that holds the business together, so make sure you follow a healthy, balanced diet packed with lots of fruits and vegetables, as these are a great source of minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin C.
If you’re under pressure, the last thing you should do is reach for processed foods to keep you going. Instead, choosing healthier options will boost your cognitive function, help you maintain a healthy gut, and ward off health complications and diseases.
Make Exercise a Priority
As an operations manager, a lot of your time will be spent behind a desk. Being sat down for hours at a time can do more harm than good for your body, which is why you should factor in regular exercise that you can perform throughout the day. If you’re working remotely due to the coronavirus outbreak, there are lots of activities you can do without having to leave the front door that will keep your energy and stamina levels up. Whether it’s walking up and down the stairs, joining a virtual physical activity program, or cleaning the house, you must make exercise a priority.
Regular physical activity can boost productivity in the workplace, reduce stress, improve concentration, and improve cognitive function. For those who don’t enjoy working out, there are lots of low-intensity exercises that are perfect if you are not very active but would like to boost your health and lift your spirits.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
We all understand how important a good night’s rest is for our mind and body. However, you will be surprised by how many people forego shuteye in favor of keeping on top of their workload. Instead of having to reach for the coffee machine every hour to keep you awake, you must set aside plenty of time that you can dedicate towards sleep. The clue is in the title of an operations manager, meaning a key duty of yours will be to manage others, so it’s vital that you wake up feeling well-rested and refreshed, otherwise you may struggle to keep others in check.
If you struggle to drift off at night, there are lots of things that can help. Switching off electronics, creating a relaxing bedroom environment, having a soak in the bath, or reading a book are great ways to bring your stress levels down and help you doze off the moment you hit your pillow.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Many operations managers work long hours and have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. High stress levels are inevitable for many individuals in this role, which is why you may benefit from practicing relaxation techniques before and after work. Meditation in particular can help to reduce stress, promote emotional health, manage anxiety, and enhance self-awareness. Before getting stuck into your workload, taking 15 minutes in the morning to meditate can make all the difference to your body and mindset.
Other relaxation techniques that can help include deep breathing exercises. No matter what kind of deep breathing technique you try, they can improve blood flow, boost your immune system, calm your anxiety, and increase energy levels.
Keep Hydrated
To maintain peak levels of efficiency and productivity in the workplace, operations managers need to be fully hydrated. You should already understand the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the day, so if you’re not doing so already, there are various things that can remind you to keep hydrated. Carrying a water bottle with you, setting daily goals, replacing other beverages with water, and setting reminders will keep you on track.
If you’re at home at the moment due to the pandemic, why not purchase your own water filter that can be fitted inside your refrigerator? If you are wary about drinking tap water, a water filter removes impurities like sediments.
Improve Your Skillset
To be the best operations manager you can be, equipping yourself with the right skills and attributes can put a spring in your step and help you feel more confident in your role. Even if you’ve got the credentials to qualify you for the position, there is always room for growth and learning. Keeping on top of the latest trends and developments in your sector will make sure you’re one step ahead.
While many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, try and use your time more productively. Click here to see a selection of operations management books that can teach you new skills that you can put into practice in your work. The best operations managers are always looking for ways to improve, which is why you should never neglect the importance of education.
Reduce Alcohol Intake for Good Health
Working in a highly skilled and pressurized role like operations management can take its toll on your health if you’re not careful. If you’re the type of individual who likes a glass of wine or pint of beer after a long and busy day, it’s important that you don’t overdo things. Drinking to excess may make you wake up with a terrible hangover that can hinder your productivity levels.
While drinking in moderation is recommended, cutting down on your alcohol intake or giving it up altogether can bring numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, weight loss, and reducing blood sugar. What’s more, you may notice a decline in heartburn and headaches. If you find that you’re reaching for alcohol as a way to relax and destress, it may be wise to make an appointment with your doctor who can help.
Speak to Friends and Family for Good Health
Having a strong support network around you can be a huge help. Whether you’re having problems at work or in your personal endeavors, knowing your friends and family are there for moral support can make a massive difference. Operations managers are expected to perform a wide range of duties to keep a business afloat, so you need to have people in your inner circle that you can let off steam to.
While we’re currently living in unprecedented times due to COVID, there are ways you can keep connected with your loved ones. Thanks to technology, you can visually see your friends and family with software like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. Whatever you use, make sure you allocate time in your schedule to speak to those who care about you.
Make Time for Yourself
In addition to speaking to friends and family, make sure you have time for yourself away from your operations management responsibilities. Whether you take up a hobby, go for a walk, watch your favorite television show, or listen to music, you need to have something to look forward to once the workday is over, otherwise you run the risk of burning out and falling into depression.
Make sure you pick an activity that interests you and keeps you motivated. Try and use your time at home more productively, as you may find yourself learning new skills that you never thought were possible, such as improving your culinary skills.
See Your Doctor for Health
While many operations managers report an excellent level of job satisfaction, others struggle to stay positive. If you fall into the latter category and are having trouble managing your workload, you should never suffer in silence. Speaking to your doctor can be a big help and ensure you get the support and treatment you need.
You may also want to consider therapy and speaking to a counselor. There is no shame in asking for help, as it’s just as important to look after your mental health as it is your physical health. Operations managers are expected to be confident in their abilities and have exceptional organizational skills, so to keep you on track in your position, having someone to tell what’s on your mind is critical for success.
To be an excellent operations manager, all the tips above can help keep you in good health and ensure you’re performing to the best of your abilities.