Life is a Stress Bank
Every day, I reflect on why I do what I do: helping people feel good, do well, thrive, and nourish their wellbeing at work.
In previous articles I connect wellbeing with the human stress response. Stress regulates our wellbeing, and it can be both good and bad. We explore and cope to maximise benefits and minimize harm. While both are important, exploring is vastly more enriching.
What is Wellbeing?
I'm a fan of Self Determination Theory, which identifies three basic psychological needs: Autonomy (interest), Mastery (competence), and Purpose (relationships). In life, we seek to continually satisfy these needs to nourish our wellbeing.
To Live is to Stress
The only escape from stress is death. The average human lives 81 years, roughly 29,500 days. Think of this as a stress bank where we spend $1 each day—the cost of living. How we spend our days can lead to distress or eustress. Too much distress takes a toll, while eustress can add to our "retirement savings."
From the Cradle to the Grave
Here's how our days are typically spent:
Stress Wisely
Life is a cost/benefit activity. To break even, aim for 25% distress and 75% eustress. Of course, some days are filled with distress due to life’s challenges.
Grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot, and the wisdom to realise the difference.
The wisdom lies in changing ourselves and our context, not others. By exploring opportunities to grow, learn, adapt, and develop meaningful relationships, we nourish our wellbeing.
Eustress at Work
Eustress, or good stress, is about effective goal striving. It's about setting and achieving meaningful goals that drive us forward. At work, fostering eustress involves:
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Creating an environment that encourages these steps can transform the workplace. When employees feel their goals align with the company's mission, they are more motivated and engaged.
The Role of Eustress in Performance Management
Many performance management systems inadvertently create distress by focusing on evaluations and criticisms, which can threaten our need for security and social connection. Instead, a system that emphasises eustress would focus on setting achievable goals, providing resources, and celebrating successes.
Imagine regular check-ins where managers and employees discuss progress, set new goals, and brainstorm solutions to challenges. This approach not only mitigates distress but also builds a supportive and growth-oriented culture.
Practical Steps to Foster Eustress
Creating a Thriving Organisational Climate
Organisations can foster thriving by creating a supportive climate. Engagement surveys often measure organisational climate to ensure a hygienic environment—one where basic needs are met, and trust is established. However, true engagement goes beyond hygiene. It involves motivation and psychological factors that drive peak performance.
Quality products and superb client relationships stem from motivated individuals and teams. Evaluating engagement and enablement factors helps us understand what truly engages people and helps them thrive.
The Future of Work: Stress Wisely
A forward-looking, exploratory approach to stress management can optimise human functioning and drive continuous improvement. By stressing wisely, we can return greater dividends for shareholders and nurture our need to realise our potential.
In Summary
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but not all stress is bad. Eustress—positive stress—can drive us to achieve and thrive, especially in the workplace. By setting clear goals, exploring opportunities, seeking support, and celebrating success, we can foster an environment where employees feel good, do well, and nourish their wellbeing.
Let's stress wisely by exploring opportunities and coping with challenges. And most importantly, let's have fun along the way.