It’s Stress Awareness Week! Stay tuned to follow our week-long breakdown of stress and stress related concepts as they may show up in the context of work. Today we will be busting some myths related to stress. For example, there is a common misconception that people won’t take action unless they are under pressure, such as when they have a project with a short deadline. That is not entirely true. While some amount of stress (eustress) may provide a challenge and motivation for people to step up and work or complete tasks. However, if a person may perceive that the demands outweigh the resources to cope or meet the goal, it can bring in an experience of distress, which can have a negative impact on the individual. Moreover, there are other more wholesome methods of motivation boosting available for use by individuals, managers and organizations. Focusing on progress and accomplishments (rather than the fear of failure), open and safe dialogue, revisiting goals, etc. can help one feel more accomplished and confident and can also serve as a good source of motivation to help one achieve.

Often, the experience of stress tends to derail our healthy habits and systems of coping, and it is important to arise at the core of the factors impacting a person to devise a long-term effective plan to respond to stress.

While some may be able to do so intuitively, some of us may benefit from reaching out for therapeutic support. Remember, it’s okay to feel what you are feeling. Your feelings are valid.

We encourage you to reach out for support if you feel overwhelmed. Please take a look at our resources page on our website for support.