Unfortunately, stress is a common challenge in higher education. As a mentor, coach, and colleague involved in both institutional and professional associations, I am often approached by colleagues seeking support. I feel truly privileged by the trust they place in me when they open up about their emotions and challenges. While each person’s experience is unique, I generally find that identifying the sources of stress is an essential first step. By helping colleagues understand what’s contributing to their stress, we can work together to address it constructively. Listening with empathy and, when appropriate, connecting them with resources, such as counselling services or mentoring networks can make a genuine difference in their well-being.

1) listen with the intention of understanding rather than fixing 2) check if they're up to date on their annual leave allocation. If they have a lot of leave left to take it can be an indicator of separation anxiety as a root cause. 3) ask how they want to be supported. When asked most people know what they need to do. 4) Be aware of the wider context. We all need a little stress sometimes so talking it through may be enough. Or they may need help prioritising or preparing for a conversation with their manager and or team to redistribute workload. Most often in my experience, work related stress in HE is because of unreasonable demands made of people. The more we can do to help people navigate what is reasonable the better.

I listen carefully to identify the cause of his/her stress. To alleviate burden, I assist with specific tasks, help prioritize his/her workload, and discuss time-saving and stress-reducing techniques.

After 20 years in student affairs, I can confidently tell colleagues that their department, office, and/or area of responsibility will not fall apart if they delegate a few responsibilities to a trusted staff member & take a day off. The grind of the academic year, unending emails, & proverbial fires that require attention can compound, resulting in high stress that negatively impacts holistic health. Purposing to use a vacation day at least quarterly, ideally on a Friday to create a three-day weekend away from campus (plus emails & texts) can do wonders for the soul. Away from the noise, what seemed like a huge deal can suddenly become trivial. Higher education professionals need margin to recharge and reflect, preventing burnout.

Always we have to plan the work and execute accordingly. There is no direct solution to avoid stress. Work management effectively and maintain the balance between professional life and family. The switch over between these two things are need to be smooth. Keep calm ..always.

Listen to what stresses them and ask them what has helped them cope. Many times all need is someone to really listen to them and then be reminded of their strengths! But I may also suggest healthy ways to cope and encourage them To seek a mental health professional if necessary.

Unfortunately many people in higher education administration don't pay attention to professional development of staff. Also highly effective people are under valued and don't receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. Naturally they experience stress and leave. Even upon leaving their request for promotion or raise is denied as if they are disposable. The fix has to come from creating an environment where these shortcomings are minimized or eliminated.