In the fast-paced world of hospitality, leadership, and operations, stress is almost a given. From managing complex projects and tight deadlines to navigating high-stakes decisions, the pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. During my time at companies like MGM Resorts, Aria Resorts, and Drais Enterprises, I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to be in the eye of a storm, juggling numerous responsibilities and constantly striving for excellence.

But over the years, I’ve also learned that managing stress and maintaining balance are crucial, not just for your professional success, but for your overall well-being. In a leadership role, you’re not just responsible for your own performance—you’re responsible for your team, the guests, and the entire organization. And that kind of pressure can take its toll. The key, though, is finding ways to manage stress and create a healthy work-life balance. It’s something I’m continually working on, and in this blog, I’ll share some of the strategies that have helped me maintain my focus, performance, and peace of mind.

Understanding the Source of Stress

The first step in managing stress is understanding where it’s coming from. In my early career, I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on my plate. Whether it was ensuring that events went off without a hitch or making quick, high-impact decisions at Drais Enterprises, I quickly realized that stress often comes from an inability to delegate or manage expectations. I had a tendency to take on too much, thinking that if I did it all, it would all go perfectly. But what I learned—and what I still practice—is the importance of recognizing when I’m reaching my limits.

Once I started to understand the sources of my stress, I could take proactive steps to address them. Some stress comes from external pressures like deadlines or client expectations, while others may stem from within, such as perfectionism or a need for control. Understanding these sources allows you to take the right steps, whether that means adjusting expectations or learning to delegate tasks more effectively.

Setting Clear Boundaries

One of the biggest challenges in high-pressure careers is maintaining a work-life balance. When your job requires your constant attention, it’s easy for work to bleed into personal time. When I was managing multiple operations at MGM Resorts, I often found myself answering emails or taking phone calls well into the evening. But after a while, I realized this wasn’t sustainable.

Setting boundaries has been one of the most important changes I’ve made to reduce stress and maintain balance. This means learning to say no when necessary, blocking off time for personal activities, and making sure that work doesn’t spill over into every waking moment. I now prioritize my personal time, ensuring that I have a set end to my workday—whether that’s taking time for exercise, spending time with family, or simply unplugging from technology. Setting these boundaries doesn’t just help manage stress—it also makes me more productive when I am working. When you allow yourself time to recharge, you come back with renewed focus and energy.

Prioritizing Physical and Mental Health

In leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day pressures and forget about your physical and mental health. But over the years, I’ve learned that taking care of your body and mind is essential if you want to perform at your best.

I make it a point to exercise regularly—whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, or playing a round of golf. Physical exercise helps release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers, and it also provides a break from the pressures of work. Even during my busiest times, I try to carve out time for physical activity because it gives me a mental reset and helps me focus better when I return to work.

Equally important is maintaining your mental health. Stress in high-pressure roles can lead to burnout if you’re not careful, so I’ve learned to practice mindfulness techniques to help manage my mental well-being. Simple activities like meditation or breathing exercises can help center my mind and bring calm to the chaos. I also ensure that I take time for myself, whether it’s indulging in a hobby, reading a book, or simply disconnecting from work for a while.

Delegating and Building Trust in Your Team

One of the biggest stress-relievers for me has been learning how to delegate effectively. In my early career, I believed I had to do everything myself to ensure things were done right. But as I moved up in leadership, I realized that it wasn’t about doing everything—it was about doing the right things and empowering others to handle the rest.

Trusting your team is essential to reducing stress. At Drais Enterprises, I learned that I could only be as successful as the team I surrounded myself with. When you trust your team to take on responsibilities, it not only reduces your workload but also builds a culture of collaboration and accountability. Delegating also frees up time for you to focus on strategic planning and long-term goals rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day details.

Empowering others and letting go of control doesn’t happen overnight, but once you develop a sense of trust in your team, you’ll find that the stress becomes more manageable. When everyone pulls together, you can handle anything that comes your way.

Time Management and Focus

Effective time management is a game-changer when it comes to handling stress. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you have numerous responsibilities and constantly feel like you’re behind on your to-do list. But over the years, I’ve found that proper time management can help reduce the sense of urgency and stress.

I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also try to tackle the most important or stressful tasks first thing in the day when my energy is at its peak. This helps me avoid the overwhelming feeling of having a long list of things to do.

Another technique I’ve found helpful is minimizing distractions. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to be pulled in different directions by emails, meetings, and phone calls. I make it a point to schedule focused time blocks where I can work uninterrupted, allowing me to stay productive and avoid the constant stress of jumping between tasks.

Seek Support and Mentorship

Finally, don’t be afraid to lean on others when you need support. No one can do everything alone, especially in high-pressure roles. Over the years, I’ve built a network of mentors, peers, and colleagues who provide guidance and a sounding board when I need it most. Whether it’s seeking advice on a difficult decision or simply talking through a stressful situation, having trusted people to turn to can alleviate the burden of stress.

Thriving Under Pressure: Finding Balance and Success

Managing stress and maintaining balance in a high-pressure career is no easy feat, but it’s essential for long-term success and well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritizing your health, delegating tasks, and managing your time effectively, you can reduce the strain of constant stress. Remember, leadership is not just about driving results—it’s about leading by example, maintaining your health, and ensuring you have the energy and focus to support those around you.