In this blog, we’ll explore three common myths about stress management and provide insights on how to transform stress from a source of pain to a source of strength. By understanding and debunking these myths, individuals can develop effective strategies for managing stress and improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Myth #1. Stress is bad for you.
It is true that stress is necessary for us to perform certain goals and functions to live a normal life. For instance, when we go to the gym, we intentionally put our bodies under stress in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength, which are all vital aspects of human life.
Research has shown that a certain level of stress is necessary for us to perform at our best. For example, when we need to make a presentation in a boardroom, we may feel a little bit stressed, but this helps us to perform better and achieve our goals. Additionally, stress is a natural response that helps us to deal with threats and resolve problems quickly, such as when we lose our wallet or have trouble connecting to the internet.
Myth #2. Wellbeing programs are the best thing to manage stress.
Well-being programs can now be implemented in your businesses and in your corporate organizations. Employees are provided with subsidized yoga or gym memberships, regular health programs, retreats, and even wellness cruises or holiday days where they can check out for a period of time. Some individuals may also indulge in after-work drinks or massages to cope with stress.
While these solutions can certainly be helpful, they are more reactive and serve as temporary relief for stress-related problems. They do not actually prevent stress from happening or equip individuals with tools to manage stress in the moment.
Therefore, it is crucial to focus on reducing the stress that is causing these symptoms in the first place. Though temporary relief from stress is beneficial, it is important to also address the root causes of stress to ensure long-term well-being.
Myth #3. Little things don’t matter.
This is not true. If we are constantly exposed to stress, then there is a constant level of cortisol maintained in our system. If we are always on, then cortisol is always present. For example, when people are on call, even if they are at home or sleeping, there is an element within their system and psyche that is ready to act in a moment because they are on call. If that phone rings, they need to be alert and ready to answer it. Having constant cortisol in our system is not healthy, and we need to be able to switch it off and switch it on when we need it.
However, it is also true that little things can make a big difference in reducing cortisol and producing other beneficial hormones, such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. These hormones help with our well-being and quality of life. Serotonin, for example, is produced by laughing, happiness, and being in nature. Something as simple as smiling can also give us a serotonin boost.
P.S. If you’d like to know how likely your stress will lead to ill health, you may try our Stress Test below.
How well do you roll with the punches?
How it works:
- Answer 25 simple questions
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Listen to the Podcast here
About the Author
Her professional experience has included contracts with small business, Not For Profits, Aboriginal Organisations, Media, Marketing, Aged Care, Universities, Health Services and Cruise Ships
Do
- Strive to find ways to make stress work for us
- Address the root causes of stress to ensure long-term wellbeing
- Smile often, to boost your serotonin
Don't
- Solely rely on wellbeing programs
- Underestimate stress on what it can do to your life
