For this assignment, I took the “How Stressed Are You?” quiz on PsychologyToday.com and scored 35 out of 100, which indicated that I am not highly stressed. While that result technically makes sense based on how I answered the questions, I do think it slightly underestimates the amount of stress in my life. I am in school full time, I work full time, and I have children, so there is always a lot going on. However, I think I have just become used to operating at this level. It has been my reality for so long that it simply feels normal. I think one day I might look back and wonder how I managed everything, but right now it just feels like the level that I play life on.
I would describe my stress as more of a neutral or productive stress. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, my mindset is usually that the work simply needs to get done, so I do it. Because of that attitude, I think the quiz results reflect how I handle stress rather than how much responsibility I actually have.
One strategy that helps me manage stress is setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. The American Psychological Association recommends this as a way to manage stress effectively. For example, I keep a separate work phone and personal phone. No one at work has my personal number, so when I get home, I can disconnect and focus on my life outside of work. That separation helps me mentally step away from work stress.
Organizations are also starting to recognize how important employee health and stress management are. According to National Fund for Workforce Solutions, supporting employee mental health can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve morale and job satisfaction. Many companies are encouraging work-life balance, offering mental health resources, and training managers to recognize signs of stress in employees. I think workplaces are slowly moving away from the idea that employees should constantly grind and more towards a healthier balance. As more organizations understand how stress impacts performance and well-being, I believe we will continue to see better support systems for employees.
https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/health/what-are-your-stress-triggers/results
https://nationalfund.org/mental-health-in-the-workplace-supporting-employee-well-being/