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Tens of millions of people in the U.S. suffer from stress. Not just occasionally, but as a regular part of their lives. And many of them don’t know what to do to get better.
Gallup News reported that almost 8 in 10 Americans are stressed at times, and 44% feel stress frequently. The American Psychological Association cited the same 44% figure and called out that most of these people admit they are not taking care of themselves well.
“Instead of managing their stress in healthy ways, Americans are indulging in unhealthy behaviors.” (“Stressed in America” by the American Psychological Association)
These studies also pointed out one of the biggest culprits creating stress: work!
One of the most forward-looking firms studying workplace stress is Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems (OWLS). Dr. Joel Bennett, founder and President of OWLS, has been delivering stress management programs since 1985, and this training has reached tens of thousands of workers across the U.S. and abroad. He says:
“People are either in denial about the problem or simply are unaware that help is available. They may also believe it is a sign of weakness or that others will not think of them as strong. Also, many work cultures do not support taking time for self-help.” (“Raw Coping Power” by Dr. Joel Bennett)
The untapped potential for workplace stress management programs is highlighted in the forward of Dr. Bennett’s book Raw Coping Power:
“To be blunt, employers risk wasting their financial and human resources when they only focus on the short-term gains from wellness without addressing the long-term consequences of stress. What is equally amazing is that there is an extensive and growing body of research showing that well-designed stress management programs work.” (Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier)
Real Life Stories of Stress
I’ve had several periods of stress in my life, but 2 stand out because of what they taught me―bad and good.
The first was while I was in Sales, during a time when there were some huge deals we were fighting to win. The situations were extremely competitive, and my senior executives were watching closely. Winning meant tens of millions of dollars, and losing seemed a shameful disgrace. Add that I’m a perfectionist who is also control-oriented, and the pressure was intense. Therefore, I found ways to “handle” the stress, by becaming a workaholic who drank to relax.
The second situation was when my family went through what I call the “Dark Ages,” a period of addiction, depression, and marriage and financial issues. Each night, I would awaken in fear, and my worry would carry over into the work day. But, incredibly, what I learned about handling stress during that period changed my life, for the better this time.
Through those tough times, I found that stress does not have to overwhelm us. We can learn to deal with stress effectively, and to prosper emotionally, spiritually, and personally as well.
Dealing with Workplace Stress
If we study industry best practices, integrate techniques proven in recovery, and utilize principles from one of the best workplace wellness firms in the country (OWLS, the company mentioned above), what do we get? A stress management program that works!
What are the components of such an approach?
1 – Enhanced Lifestyle: We can become proactive―not just reactive―and take a holistic approach to our wellness that addresses our emotional, spiritual, and personal needs.
2 – Greater Awareness: We all have stress, but we can change how we think about it and use it as a positive catalyst. We can become more self-aware and balance our tendencies to worry.
3 – Positive Connection: Relationships affect our well-being. By sharing our problems with others, we can better deal with them. And, amazingly, serving other people lowers our stress as well.
4 – Stress Management: If we learn to recognize the warning signs of stress, we can then practice our coping skills to better deal with those stressors when they occur.
5 – Purpose and Plan: Chasing meaning is better for our health than avoiding discomfort. Having a clear sense of purpose allows us to set goals that will lessen our stress in the future.
This is an approach that is proactive rather than reactive. One that helps us see stress not as a danger to be avoided, but a positive force to be utilized. A way of living that helps us address the root causes of stress and lead a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle
Are you going to face stress at work? Yes. But the question is, “What are you going to do about it?”
Question: What percent of people at your company are affected by workplace stress?
Action: Contact STEPS Business Wellness for workplace stress management training.
