Stress Management

Tobin Burke

After taking the Life Stress Inventory, the Coping and Stress Management Skills Test, and the Type A Personality Survey, I learned a lot about how I handle stress and where I can improve. According to the Life Stress Inventory, I’ve had a good amount of change recently, which means I might be more at risk for stress-related issues. The stress management test showed that I mostly use problem-focused strategies, which is good, but I could be better at emotional coping. The Type A Personality Survey confirmed that I’m pretty competitive and tend to rush, which isn’t surprising, but it made me realize how much that could affect my health long-term.

As I move into my professional career, I know I’ll need to be more intentional about managing stress. One step I want to take is building in time to relax and disconnect like going for walks, practicing mindfulness, or just setting boundaries with my work schedule. I also want to work on recognizing when I’m getting overwhelmed and being okay with asking for help.

From what I’ve researched, a lot of companies are stepping up their wellness efforts because stress and burnout are such big problems right now. Some are offering mental health days, therapy resources, flexible schedules, and even meditation classes. I read that companies like Entrust and others are investing in stress management workshops and mental health coaching for their employees. Programs like these not only help employees feel better, but they also help companies keep people around and improve productivity.

In the end, learning to manage stress is about both personal effort and the support systems around us. I’m hoping to carry what I’ve learned with me as I finish school and enter the workforce.