I know you hear me talk or see me write a lot about burnout. And you generally agree about the dangers of stress, but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? Stress, when managed properly, can actually be a powerful tool for enhancing performance.
Stop Avoiding Stress and Start Managing It
Avoiding stress entirely can lead to complacency and a lack of drive. It’s not stress itself that’s harmful, but chronic stress that goes unmanaged. Use stress as a motivator. Short-term stress can boost alertness and performance, pushing you to achieve your best. The key is to manage stress effectively and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
💡 Recognize Positive Stress:
Understand that not all stress is bad. Short bursts of stress can help you stay focused and motivated. Think of the adrenaline rush you get when meeting a deadline. This kind of stress can push you to complete tasks efficiently. Now compare the same with the kind of stress that is generated by constant, unmanageable expectations without any relief or support (example – unreasonably close deadlines all the time). This is bad stress.
🧘 Develop Stress Management Techniques:
Learn and practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, time management, and mindfulness. When feeling stressed, take a few minutes to practice one of these based on your style. This can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety. If it’s good stress, continue the task. Have an accountability buddy to help. If it’s bad stress, read on.
🗣️ Communicate Your Needs:
If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to your manager about it. Discuss ways to adjust your workload or find solutions to reduce stressors. Share your natural state or authentic style of operation—does your stress reduce in a team environment? When given more autonomy? Whatever the case, share it.
Tips for Managers:
- Encourage Healthy Stress: Set challenging but achievable goals that push employees out of their comfort zones. Think ‘incremental level ups’.
- Embrace Controlled Chaos: Sometimes, a little chaos can spark creativity and problem-solving. Allow for some unstructured time where employees can tackle given challenges in their own way. This can make stress seem fun.
- Break the Routine: Encourage employees to step out of their daily routines. Changing the environment or the way tasks are approached can reduce monotony and revitalize energy. This sets a norm for employees to expect stress but in a more playful manner.
Stress doesn’t have to be the enemy.
By recognizing positive stress and managing it effectively, we can turn it into a powerful motivator. Create a work environment where stress fuels success, not burnout.
Find your flow, then don’t let go.
