As any credit union executive knows, a typical workday can be stressful. There seem to be endless calendar entries that chop up your day into 1/2 hour time slots, each crammed full of meetings (some that even overlap), deadline reminders, reports to review, conference calls and emails. Not to mention dealing with member issues that may arise or even MSR drama. And it often doesn't stop once you leave the office - the need to cross something else off your to-do list might be compelling you to bring home your laptop to finish that last email or prepare reports for a board meeting. Seeking out best practices from others in leadership can provide some advice on how to control stress before it takes over your life.Many in credit union leadership, and leadership roles in general, find themselves lying in bed at night, rehashing all that happened during the day, or worrying about what is on tomorrow's agenda, unable to sleep. As the week progresses, and sleep has escaped you on multiple nights, the ability to stay sharp and juggle all that comes your way becomes a daunting task. As your responsibilities at the credit union increase, so does your workload, and your time is a premium. The need to perform and complete daily tasks efficiently and make sound decisions, leads many to look for a solution that not just gets them through their day but ideally helps them achieve nightly rest.
To cure insomnia, many have tried various methods, some more familiar than others, in the hope of finding rest. Visualized relaxation is often suggested, while others have tried measured breathing techniques, not eating after a certain hour or counting the ever loved, if ineffective, sheep. For those that need help more often than not, they might even speak to their doctor about getting an over-the-counter sleep aid to help with their search for rest. This solution has its downside too, as there is often residual grogginess the next day, leaving the person feeling not as sharp as they could be.
A recent study at Baylor University suggests that there may actually be a solution that's simple and surprisingly effective. It involves just a regular pen and paper or even a note taking app on your smartphone. In the study, participants were encouraged to make a to-do list for the next day, where they detailed a list of what they had on their agenda and needed to accomplish or remember to do. The participants wrote out their lists right before bed, and once doing so, were able to fall asleep within 9 minutes on average. The study concluded that by allowing a person's brain to 'dump' their to-do list onto a piece of paper, they in effect freed up their brain from the worry of keeping track of all the things they had to do. The study further suggests that perhaps it's the perceived notion that all the items on the list have been accounted for and the worry of forgetting something has been removed. The items on the list have been addressed, organized and are ready to be tackled the next morning.
Getting a handle on your to-do list not only helps you sleep but also has the added benefit of helping you stay organized and become a better, more efficient leader. Credit union leadership involves many things, including satisfying member requests, managing employee relationships, researching and incorporating new technology, and demonstrating the credit union difference. Nightly to-do lists can keep you focused, assist you in navigating your day and also help to manage the added responsibilities of leadership that fill your calendar. Though the concept of the list making method has been around for a while in the context of becoming more organized, its use as a relaxation technique is a new take on an old tool. Try keeping a pad of paper and pen on your bedside table for a few days and see if you don't enjoy a better night's sleep and are more prepared to start your day at your credit union!
