Although we all experience stress from time to time, rarely does it surface during this season of renewal—springtime. But this year might be different.
What’s causing today’s stress? The war in the Ukraine and the threat of it spreading. The escalating cost of gasoline and food. The short supply of almost everything including workers. The seemingly never-ending threat to health with COVID variants emerging. And many more you could name.
In addition, we’re challenged with regular work-related situations such as deadlines, conflict with co-workers, unrealistic goals, unclear priorities, too much to do with not enough time, and a parade of decisions to make.
Although we have different levels of stress tolerance, for our own health, getting help to cope with it goes a long way. Why is stress harmful? According to the website stress.org, it increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, the risk of heart attack by 25%, the risk of stroke by 50%, with other nasty ailments in the wings.
Leadership Tip
Find ways to minimize and eventually eliminate stress from your life.
Here are three resources that can help you immediately:
- Job Burnout: How to Spot It and Take Action
- 33 Ways to Make Managing Stress Much Easier
- Six Steps to Improving Mental Wellbeing at Work
If you are coping well, that’s great. Now keep an eye open for someone on your team or in your family who may not be and share these resources appropriately.
If you are having problems coping with stress yourself, then reach out to a family member, a friend, a co-worker, an employee assistance program, or anyone you trust for support—including me. Nobody will judge you; we simply want to help.
As a leader, you’re needed to create an environment in which stress cannot survive. So start eliminating stress wherever you can this spring.
