I learned a fair amount about myself and how I tend to deal with stress after taking the Life Stress Inventory, Coping and Stress Management Skills Test, and Type A Personality Survey — some of it not so surprising, some a real eye opener. The results don’t surprise me, though. I do tend to problem-solve when I am stressed, particularly if I feel that I may be able to do something about it. This is fine for controllable situations, but I’ve come to realize I need to be better about managing stress that I can’t control as well.
The personality survey also revealed that I am friendly and easygoing, though I tend to be a little bit impatient or frustrated when I’m under stress. It’s not consistent, but it’s something to mind — especially since qualities like hostility and impatience can impact on your health in the long term, such as an increased risk for heart troubles.
From now on, I’d like to create new (better) habits to alleviate stress before it accumulates. That means things like getting regular exercise, taking small breaks throughout a busy day and learning how to slow down and not take everything so seriously.
Increasingly, companies understand the importance of employee well-being. The world is never a static place, and where I hope we are heading is for mental health resources and flexible work hours, and wellness programs to become the norm, not the exception. I know I’ll do better in my next job if I’m working for a company that promotes balance and supports people as people — not just employees.