One of the biggest lessons I learned is that stress is not always caused by being busy, not getting to spend enough time with family and friends, as well as not having time for hobbies. Stress becomes more difficult to manage when I do not take time to rest, recharge, or maintain balance in my daily routine. As I continue into my professional career, I want to be more proactive about managing stress before it becomes overwhelming, as the test scores showed that I am a “somewhat stressed” individual, meaning I am currently balancing my life but could improve taking care of my mental health and stress levels. Some strategies I plan to focus on include improving my time management, setting realistic goals, exercising consistently, getting enough sleep, and creating healthier boundaries between work and personal life. I have also noticed that taking breaks and making time for activities I enjoy helps me stay focused and avoid burnout.
Research shows that stress and burnout are major concerns for organizations because they affect employee health, morale, and productivity. According to the American Psychological Association (2023), chronic stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other long-term health problems. Many organizations now offer Employee Assistance Programs, wellness initiatives, flexible schedules, and mental health resources to better support employees and create positive workplace environments. Overall, this activity helped me recognize the importance of developing healthy coping habits early in my career. Managing stress effectively will improve both my personal well-being and professional success.