After taking the Life Stress Inventory, the Coping and Stress Management Skills Test, and the Type A Personality Survey, I realized I’m carrying more stress than I thought. I tend to assume I’m “fine” as long as I’m getting things done, but these assessments pointed out that I have a habit of powering through things instead of actually dealing with them.The Type A results weren’t a surprise I work fast, I like being on top of things, and I get irritated when I feel like I’m falling behind. That mindset has helped me in school and at work, but it also means I don’t slow down until stress has already gotten the best of me.The main takeaway I had, was how often I rely on myself instead of reaching out. It made me realize my coping style leans heavily toward handling everything internally. This works in the moment but eventually builds up. I think that moving forward, I know I need to be more intentional about creating breathing room in my day. Such as simple things like going to the gym, stepping away from my phone for an hour, actually sleeping enough, and letting myself take breaks without feeling guilty would make a huge difference. I also want to get better at talking to people when I’m overwhelmed instead of trying to carry everything alone.
When I looked into what companies are doing to help employees, it made me realize how common these struggles are. A lot of organizations now offer wellness programs, counseling services, mental health days, flexible schedules, and even things like financial coaching or mindfulness workshops. It’s clear that stress isn’t just a personal issue, it’s something workplaces are trying to address too.
Overall, these assessments reminded me that managing stress isn’t a weakness; it’s part of staying healthy and being able to show up fully in my career. Slowing down, even a little, might be one of the most useful skills I can learn.