Written by: Dr. Christine Sauer, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In this article, we'll explore the various ways that stress can affect us in our modern time and discuss strategies for mitigating its negative effects.
What is stress?
Stress is a physiological and psychological reaction that occurs when we feel overwhelmed or under pressure, and our bodies and minds react to the situation. It is a term used to describe the body's natural response to a perceived threat or challenge.
Stress can be caused by a wide range of factors, including work, school, relationships, financial problems, health issues, and more. While some level of stress is normal and can even be helpful in certain situations, chronic or excessive stress can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. When we experience chronic stress, our body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
How common is chronic stress?
Stress is very common. A recent study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that 96% of the more than 1,000 leaders surveyed reported feeling some level of stress and burnout, with nearly a third saying they felt "always" or "often" burned out. This can have significant impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as their work performance and productivity.
Another survey by the American Institute of Stress found that 80% of workers reported feeling stress on the job, and nearly half said they needed help in learning how to manage stress.
In addition, a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that high-level executives experience more stress and burnout than other employees.
The health impacts of chronic stress
Chronic stress can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
Some examples of potential negative outcomes of chronic stress include:
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
High blood sugars
Sweating
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Digestive issues
Stomach pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Difficulty sleeping
Cognitive decline
Memory problems
Forgetfulness
Weakened/suppressed immune system
Frequent infections and diseases
Chronic pain
Headaches
Back pain
Fibromyalgia
Relationship trouble
Divorce
Stressed parents even affect the mental and physical health of their children. So, stress management should be on each parent’s To-Do-List.
The impacts of chronic stress on work performance
Stress can have significant negative impacts on work performance, leading to decreased productivity, decreased job satisfaction, and increased absenteeism. In long-standing cases, chronic stress can even lead to burnout, a condition in which an individual feels exhausted, overwhelmed, and disengaged from their work.
Strategies for managing stress
While it's impossible to eliminate stress entirely, there are helpful strategies that everyone, can use to manage it more effectively. A novel approach is to re-think the way you mentally approach stress, and think of it as a performance booster. This approach seems to be often efficient for younger people. Others might include mindfulness practices, exercise, sleep hygiene, and regular breaks throughout the workday. Good nutrition and targeted supplementation in the context of a "nutrient symphony" (with the goal of achieving a harmonic balance). Additionally, seeking support from a coach or therapist can be a helpful way to manage stress and build resilience.
6 helpful ways to manage stress
1. Exercise
Regular exercise can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Well-known benefits are the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, and the production of BDNF, which helps to build new connections and cells in the brain and can contribute to better learning and memory.
2. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way, and it can help to reduce stress and improve focus. There are many different types of mindfulness meditation, from guided meditation apps or classes to books and much more. Many leaders find it hard to wind down and sit still, though, and prefer other ways to achieve the same or even better results, like Havening Techniques.
3. Time management
Effective time management can help us to prioritize tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the workload. This may involve delegating tasks to others, setting clear boundaries around work hours, or using time management tools such as calendars and to-do lists.
4. Coaching or counseling
Some executives may choose to work with a qualified coach or a counselor to develop coping skills and strategies for managing stress. In this blog post: I explain which profession is best suited for which kind of mental health support.
5. Relaxation techniques
Executives may also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
6. Social support
Building and maintaining social connections can be an important way for executives to manage stress. You may want to spend time with friends and family, seek support from colleagues or mentors, or join a professional or social group.
5 unhelpful ways to manage stress
Very often, people who try to manage their stress fall into unhealthy and even harmful habits that can be very damaging in the long run. Here are some common unhelpful approaches to managing stress.
1. Substance use
Some leaders turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of “self-medicating” themselves in an attempt to cope with stress, but this can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including addiction, impaired judgment, and poor health.
2. Ignoring the problem
Some executives may try to ignore their stress or push through it, believing that this is a necessary part of their job. However, this can lead to burnout, poor performance, and a sleuth of negative health outcomes, from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and digestive issues up to dementia.
3. Overworking
While some levels of stress can be motivating, constantly working long hours and neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and other negative outcomes, including physical and mental health problems.
4. Avoiding social support
Leaders and Managers who feel that they must always be in control may avoid seeking social support, either from colleagues or family and friends. Social support can be a crucial part of managing stress, and avoiding it can lead to isolation, frustration, and depression.
5. Self-medicating with food
Some of us may turn to food as a way of coping with stress, either by overeating or restricting our intake. However, this can lead to weight gain or loss, poor nutrition, and digestive issues as well as brain fog and many more symptoms of failing health.
What is the best way to manage stress?
The best way to manage your chronic stress is the way that works for you. This needs to be considered given your individual circumstances, genetic and cultural history, lifestyle habits, preferences, environment and more. How do you know which one it is? That’s where we come in.
To find the BEST way for you in the long run, we recommend our Comprehensive 5-Dimensional Remote Holistic Health Assessment where we do – in a 100% private atmosphere - a thorough 1:1 analysis of all determinants of your health and life, re-analyze all previous lab results under the perspective of the optimal brain and mental health and then, together with you, craft your individualized life strategy plan that will support you in reducing the likelihood of succumbing to a health condition while staying at mental and physical peak performance.
Do not deprive yourself of the best options to build, re-build or renovate your “house of health” to withstand the test of time.
Why brain health is crucial for stress management
I am blessed to be a member of the Teaching Team of Dr. Daniel Amen, one of my mentors and teachers. He says: “Success in everything we do starts with an optimized brain. And I can prove it.”
By boosting your brain reserve, you can handle much more stress than the "normal" person. I have written about the 5 Dimensions of brain health and mental health here and here. Another surprising way how to manage stress and become more resilient is to start a gratitude habit or journal with the help of a great gratitude journal.
The benefits of coaching for stress reduction
Coaching can be a powerful tool for leaders, professionals and executives who are looking to manage their stress more effectively. By working with a coach, individuals can identify the sources of their stress, develop coping strategies, and build resilience to future stressors. Additionally, coaches can provide ongoing support and accountability, helping individuals to stay on track with their stress management goals.
Conclusion
Stress is a significant issue for many people, with impacts that extend beyond just their personal well-being. By taking proactive steps to manage their stress, such as practicing self-care, seeking support, and working with a coach, stressed people can improve their work performance, as well as their overall quality of life. To turn off stress in less than 10 minutes, check out our free calming Video-Training: “The InstantCalm Formula”
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Dr. Christine Sauer, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Christine Sauer MD ND is a German-trained physician and naturopath, a Holistic Brain and Mental Health Professional, Coach, and Educator, combining modern science, ancient wisdom, nature, experience, and love. Her own struggles with chronic pain, weight loss, and mental health issues have led her to dedicate her life to improving the brain/mental health and gut health of children, youth, and adults, helping them with brain optimization, positive parenting strategies, and enabling them to lose weight ‒ all with natural means. She is a TEDx Speaker and 1 bestselling author. As “The Doctor who Knows How You Feel,” she is known to make a lasting impression and positive difference in the lives of her clients and followers. Her clients have said that it feels like "magic" to them when their life transforms through Dr. Christine's caring communication.
