Each day, we come across various subtle influences. Some folks are quite skilled at prioritizing their own interests, occasionally at our expense.
Interestingly, about 75% of visits to the doctor are due to stress-related issues.
Poor leadership and an intense push for increased productivity can significantly impact mental well-being. I believe that being constantly reachable via email and phone calls has greatly contributed to rising stress levels.
High stress can have a huge impact on your health, leading to problems like burnout, high blood pressure, insomnia, or depression.

The catch

Sometimes, companies pile on the pressure for their employees due to tight deadlines, financial goals, or being short-staffed, leaving folks feeling overwhelmed.
Occasionally, a difficult boss might think pushing hard is the best way to get top-notch results.
Whatever the reason, it's clear that work can significantly impact people's mental well-being.

When stress gets overwhelming, it can really take a toll on us.
The bright side?
We actually have more control than we might think.
By choosing not to let stress get to us, we can keep it at bay.

Let me explain.

4 things to keep in mind

1. Feelings are created within

2. Smooth is fast

3. Detect manipulation

4. Prioritize yourself

Feelings are created within:
Imagine someone gives you a punch in the face. Ouch, right? It’s pretty clear that it hurts because you’re experiencing physical pain.
But when it comes to mental pain and emotions, things work a bit differently.
In theory, no one can actually make you feel anything. If someone says something you don’t like, does it sting like a punch? Not really.
It’s easier said than done, but it’s important to realize that only you have the power to change your mental state. No one else can produce the chemicals and hormones like cortisol or adrenaline in your body. People do things, and we choose how to react. You’re in control. If you don’t want to feel stressed or upset, you have the choice not to. Here’s a simple way to see this: think of two people you know. Let’s say they both experience the same situation. One might panic, while the other stays calm. See?
The same thing happened to both, but each person chose how to handle it in their own way.

Smooth is fast:
“Stress is the bag of bricks you can pick up in the morning and let it weigh you down or you can just not pick it up. A lot of it's in your mind.
And one of the key phrases that I still use today is: Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
You try to rush anything, stuff’s not going to go to the way you do it, slow down take a breath.” -Robert O’Neill (Navy SEAL)

When you hurry, you might end up making quick decisions that lead to mistakes.
So, take a deep breath and relax!

Detect manipulation:
I've come across this situation quite a bit. Some bosses, whether they're struggling with pressure or just not very empathetic, tend to overlook their employees' mental well-being. Their main focus is often just on hitting targets. It's helpful to be aware of manipulation tactics like repetition and scarcity that might be used to influence you.
I wrote an article about daily manipulation techniques, if you’re interested.

Sometimes, people try to influence us to get us to do specific things. It's worth noting that some not-so-great leaders use pressure as a way to manipulate their employees. Just something to remember for the future!

Prioritize yourself:
Will your company be there for you if you burn out? Probably not!
It's so important to prioritize your mental health and personal life over work.
Trust me, I've witnessed it too often. Nothing is worth compromising your well-being, especially not for someone else's financial gain.

In conclusion

Stress is something we all encounter in our daily lives. A little bit of stress now and then can actually be beneficial—it can make us feel energized and motivated to tackle challenges.
However, it's important to be cautious about consistently high stress levels, as they can lead to feeling overwhelmed.
Regardless of where stress originates, it's crucial to remember that you have the power to choose how external events affect your mindset. Our feelings are generated from within, so ultimately, no one else can make you feel a certain way.
While others might try to provoke a reaction with their words or actions, it's up to you to decide how you let these things impact your mental well-being!


Thank you for reading.