As we near the end of Stress Awareness Month, I feel compelled to write what may turn out to be a fairly personal post. In all the work I do around leadership development and workplace culture I’m finding that more and more people are “stressed out.” I don’t want to sound like Twenty One Pilots, but seriously; it seems that we’re all nostalgic over a time when things were easier.
As mentioned here, “Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern negative stress epidemic.” While April may be coming to a close; the stress epidemic continues.
Stress can lead to so much more. So many negative feelings. Too many unhappy thoughts. Loneliness. Depression. Anxiety.
There are ways through this!
First, it’s very important to understand that you are not alone. In our work we encounter so many who feel exactly the same way.
Second, it’s equally as important to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Recently, HireEffect’s Chief Strategist, Mathew Heggem, interviewed two professionals who have made it their mission to help us see that light.
The first interview is with Stephanie Dalfonzo, Anxiety Expert, Speaker, Author, and Coach. Stephanie’s journey has taken her through several career transitions from celebrity radio DJ to ultimately becoming an anxiety expert – out of necessity. To date Stephanie has helped 1000’s of people from age 8 to 82 break free from the vise-like grip of anxiety and create life-changing and lasting changes that allow them to say Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom.
The second interview is with Lori Dixon, CEO and Founder of Walk With Lori, on sustainability for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship, like life, can take unexpected turns. Whether you are dealing with change, fear, or even trauma, it’s important to recognize where you are in the moment and know that tomorrow is filled with new moments. Lori talks about how to calm your inner critic, and Step Up, Step Out, and Step Forward.
Many of you have also heard me speak about The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. Shawn says,
We’ve been taught that if we work hard, we will be successful, and then we’ll be happy. If we can just find that great job, get a raise, lose those five pounds, happiness will follow. But recent discoveries in the field of positive psychology have shown that this formula is actually backward: happiness fuels success, not the other way around.
I encourage you to watch his TED Talk. It makes a lot of sense, and frankly, is pretty entertaining. In his book, Shawn provides practical and actionable tips and tools to help us change our mindset and our habits to achieve happiness. (I’m definitely a fan!)
Let’s put an end to self-inflicted stress and negative self-talk. As a community, we can do more. Raise a glass: To our happiness and our success!!