Stress resistance, or resilience, is the ability for individuals to deal with stress properly and effectively recover from stressful events. Stress-resilient individuals can handle workplace pressure effectively and contribute positively. They adapt their attitude to their challenges to maintain performance. On a larger scale, stress resilience can contribute to increased employee morale, productivity, adaptability to change and diminished burnout and turnover rates. Stress resistance can build a positive work culture, ultimately influencing workers to contribute to the team and perform their best. Below are some practical strategies for building stress resistance to create a healthier environment.
There are two primary types of stress in the work environment. Positive stress which motivates individuals to operate at peak performance. It is beneficial for a person’s psychological and mental health because it feels rewarding, even if the workflow is challenging. The opposite is distress, which can cause individuals to decline in numerous aspects and can be chronic. Distress occurs when workplace pressure becomes overwhelming for a person, which can cause irrationality, anxiety, exhaustion, and other issues.
Strategies for Building Stress Resistance
Mindfulness and Meditation
The benefits of mindfulness and meditation range from reduced anxiety and cortisol levels to enhanced attention spans and emotional regulation. Some techniques for practicing meditation and mindfulness include:
- Breathing breaks
- Body scan meditation
- Mindful walking
- Mindfulness reminders and reflections
- Guided meditations
- Morning mindfulness meditation
Physical Activity
Physical exercise enhances cognitive function, releases endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, improves sleep quality and increases energy levels. Some basic exercises individuals can perform through their day include stretches, walking breaks, mini workouts during lunchtime, yoga and walk-and-talk meetings. Using a standing desk with a balance board is another physical activity that can help a person develop motor coordination skills and balance.
Time Management
Proper time management can help individuals take charge of their tasks and identify their daily priorities. It can also reduce procrastination by assisting people in determining their deadlines and delegating their tasks throughout the day, preventing overwhelm and disorganization. Some tips for implementing an effective time management plan include:
- Breaking significant tasks into smaller steps
- Staying accountable for responsibilities
- Eliminating distractions
Healthy Work Environment
A positive and healthy work culture can reduce stress in the work environment and help employees have enhanced morale. Employees who come together and create a culture of mutual support and respect can foster positive relationships. To cultivate this type of organizational health, managers can:
- Encourage open communication between their workers
- Foster team building through applicable activities
- Recognize and reward individual and team efforts
- Provide mental health resources
- Ensure the workspace is safe and comfortable
Professional Development
Workers who feel stagnant in their development may experience negative stress, thus becoming discouraged from performing their best. However, continuous learning and skill development can boost confidence, reduce stress, and enhance career satisfaction. In the workplace, employees can achieve this in several ways:
- Engage in online learning
- Join professional associations and learn from experts in the industry
- Seek feedback and mentorship
- Stay informed of industry trends
- Set personal development goals