We are offering a unique stress management training that includes an assessment of the 7 key types of stress that may be affecting your team and a 1.5-2 hour training session focused on empowering your team to grow beyond their pain points. You can learn more about it here: centerconsulting.org/stress.

It is no secret that stress impacts every part of our world.

Stress and anxiety cost $1 trillion in lost productivity each year.
1 million workers are absent daily due to stress.
5+ hours of work hours are lost weekly to employees thinking about their stressors.
Family members isolate more, argue more, and play less due to stress.
Extended or intense stress can cause physical and mental/emotional symptoms.

What is happening to me?

Under stress, we often ask ourselves, “What is happening to me?” Stress is a very holistic experience. It affects every part our lives – our brains, our bodies, our relationships, our actions, and our decisions. It shows itself in every part of us.

What’s different from other years?

If we look back at the year 2020, we have a great example of how stress can bring all sorts of impact and anxiety to our lives. We had to face that everything and, frankly, everyone could be a potential threat to us, our safety, and the well-being of our families. We had questions about our employment, schools, money, changing rules, and relationships. “Can I go out?” “Is the world safe?” And that uncertainty builds up anxiety and anger.

Understand the Sources of Stress: Situational Awareness

Our friends in AA have taught us to look for three sources of stress in our lives: people, places, and things.

People: We have to recognize that there are some people, however well-intended, that are just a source of stress in our lives.
Places: Similarly, there are places we go and situations we get into that increase that level of pressure.
Things: And finally, the things, the tasks, even the possessions that we have, and the maintaining of our home, etc. are all sources of stress that have an impact on us.

Reactions & Symptoms of Stress & Anxiety

When stress presses in on us, it begins to affect our bodies, our minds, and our behaviors.

Body: Our body has a way of signaling to us that we are in a very stressful situation and that the level of anxiety is building up. Sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and the aches and pains of living should be signals to us that things are not ok.
Mind: In our minds, we will begin to have recurring thoughts and to rehearse situations, fears, and anxieties over and over again. This will start to produce worry that is not productive.
Behavior: Then finally, we begin to show it in our behaviors. We indulge in things that we know are not good for us, or we begin to avoid things that we don’t want to face.

How to Manage the Rollercoaster Ride

So as leaders, how do we manage this rollercoaster ride that we are on?

Leaders take their own “pulse” and are mindful. Our bodies, our minds, and our behaviors are very important to look at as we begin to understand our reactions to the stress in our world.
Leaders move from a “victim” of stress to a “manager” of that stress by taking responsibility. By doing so, we become empowered, and we are not just being chased by that stress.
Leaders build their toolbox and practice using their tools. We need build up our toolbox with the things that we know work in managing our stress. Is it a meditative practice? A timeout? A good meal? Exercise?
Leaders train their brain to focus on things that are positive and productive in order to begin the practice of disciplined thinking. “Teaching the old dog new tricks!”
Leaders embrace relationships – “no one left behind!” Relationships are a very big part of managing stress and anxiety. Relationships are not only stressful, but they are also healing. Embracing those relationships that are helpful, strengthening, and encouraging is a key part of taking care of ourselves.

How to Practice Self-Regulation

Successful leaders manage successful situations with the ability to focus.

Be Mindful: They are mindful and thoughtful.
Focus with Daily Meditation: They are able to meditate on the positive. The first chapter of Psalms talks about a tree that is planted by water. As we meditate, particularly on God’s word, our roots grow deep, and we are able to navigate the winds and the storms that happen around us.
Get Back to Basics: They are able to focus on getting back to the basics – those things that will be key ingredients of success. These things may not be the most exciting, but they are fundamental and foundational.
Get Company: As mentioned earlier, relationships are key. Leaders tend to isolate during times of stress. Our call is not to isolate but to join others and ask them to join us so that there is a sense of mutual support in our work together.

How to Invest in Wellness

Remember, leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. So, we need to prepare ourselves by:

Eating well
Sleeping well
Exercising well
Relating well to others
Relaxing well and making time to relax
Praying well

We need to take time to pray and cast our cares upon the one who cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our anxieties and cares upon God because he cares for us.

Learn more about our stress management training for teams here.

Paul Keisling is a Senior Consultant at The Center Consulting Group and has over 40 years’ experience in building, leading and operating organizations. He enjoys coaching and developing leaders at all levels of organizations. He is particularly interested in supporting organizations and leaders in times of crisis, transition and through the strategic planning process. Paul has served on a number of nonprofit boards and was a founding board member of Chariots for Hope - an organization that oversees Children's Homes across the country of Kenya. He holds a BA in Behavioral Science from Messiah College, a Master of Social Work from Temple University, studied theology and counseling at Westminster Seminary, and is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. He is a frequent presenter on mental health topics, program development and Servant Leadership.