Three ways to help your members and leaders overcome stress

Chances are we’ve all experienced stress at some point in our workday. With the pandemic and recent economic times, that stress might grow and linger long after the end of a work shift. Unfortunately, as it grows, we might be getting more accepting of it. And that can be dangerous.  

According to one study, 44% of people surveyed across the globe reported experiencing significant daily stress in the workplace. Research shows that workplace stress just doesn’t stop once a worker ends their workday; it stays with them. According to one study, 54% of survey respondents reported stress from work also negatively affected their home life either weekly or daily. 

But how does stress impact our health? According to an American Psychological Association survey, respondents reported increased tension in their bodies, “snapping” or quick to anger, unexpected mood swings, or yelling at a loved one.  

3 ways to help your members become more aware of stress 

When your members are not feeling their best, they can’t perform their best. So, how can you help?  

1. Review our Quick Read

2. Add stress-reducing healthy habits and journeys

• Healthy Habits: As part of our Topics of Interest catalog, we offer many Reducing Stress Healthy Habits. From evaluating or documenting your mood to implementing solutions to overcome stress, there’s something to meet your members’ needs. Contact your Account Management team for help with identifying the best habits to add to your program, like: 
  • Stress Levels: On a scale from 1-5, what’s your stress level today? 
  • Gratitude Journal: Did you write down something you’re thankful for today? 
  • Get Back to Basics: Did you exercise, eat healthy, or get good sleep in order to lower your stress today?
    
• Journeys: For additional education, add Journeys to your program. Through practice and preparation, these self-guided, multi-step courses help build healthy habits. Contact your Account Management team to learn more about the Reducing Stress Journeys, like these: 
  • Stress Less in 10 Minutes​: We all feel some stress, but too much stress can harm your health and your productivity. Learn some simple ways you can rein in stress before it becomes a problem. These steps all can be done in 10 minutes or less. You’ll soon be in the habit of dialing down your stress level every day! ​
  • Find Your Focus:​ Work smarter by growing your brainpower. A great first step is to learn to improve your attention span. Think about what you can do when you’re getting distracted. Build your focus over time. That will train your brain to stay on one task at a time, bringing you more energy and performance.​  

3. Revamp your work environment

• • In-person space: Having a dedicated space where members can go to step away from work is a key step. It’s a helpful tactic that allows them to regain focus and evaluate potential solutions to overcome the source of their stress. Consider making physical changes to your workplace environment, such as designating areas of the space for breaks or mindfulness sessions.
    
    
  • Ergonomics post: For many of us, working at a desk (whether in a company office or at home) is a standard part of our jobs. But is your office set up in a way that works for you? That’s where ergonomics can help!
    
    
  • Take a Brain Break: After periods of intense focus, it’s essential to give yourself a chance to pause and reflect with a brain break. Add a meeting invite to your calendar to reserve time for yourself (and encourage your members to do the same). Use this time to get up and stretch, go for a short walk, connect with coworkers socially, listen to music, close your eyes for a few minutes, meditate, or eat mindfully without distractions. 

Help member regain their focus 

With stress causing members to feel physical symptoms like fatigue, headache, upset stomach, change in appetite, or teeth grinding, it’s important to educate members and give them tools to overcome stress and its effects. Contact your Account team to build in ways to increase stress awareness within your program.