Stress is an important factor related to our overall health and well-being. Yet, surprisingly, many professionals try to ignore it until it cannot be ignored any longer. I’ve been there, done that, so I’ve identified a few aspects that might resonate with you.

Reflect to Reduce Stress

Relief from stress begins with reflection. That’s right. In order to effectively move forward and eliminate stress, we need to reflect upon what’s causing it in the first place.

Some may think taking time for reflection is a waste of time. That line of thinking may be costly. You may continue along as you are, but you may also burn out or develop health problems resulting from too much stress.

It may be time to reframe your perception about stress.

In my experience, too many professionals don’t make time for reflection or for taking action to reduce stress. They’re often too busy, uninformed about, or lack an interest in self-care until they have no choice. Here’s why professionals cannot afford to ignore stress.

Your Health & Well-being

Stress impacts your health and well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it.”

Your Performance

Our personal and professional lives should receive our best efforts. Our best depends upon our ability to process information efficiently, and this is vulnerable to stress. It’s up to each of us to ask ourselves, “Am I performing at my best?”

Many have clarity about their performance. They know their levels and limits as well as the aspects that can negatively impact their performance. They also understand what they need to do to correct insufficient performance—this is the clarity and initiative that all high performers should possess.

Sources of Stress

Stress comes to us from multiple sources. Compound stress with not enough time to process information and make decisions, and anxiety can result. A lack of information or uncertainty about the credibility of the information we’ve been given can also contribute to our stress. And when an unexpected crisis or other tragedy is added, we tend to experience high levels of stress.

Reflection and Self-care

This is where reflection comes in. Reflection helps you make sound decisions. If circumstances permit, make time for reflection and remember your non-negotiable’s—rest, physical activity, nutrition, and your emotional well-being.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” —William James.

Set Goals to Reduce Stress

Decide if you have a specific goal that can help decrease your stress, such as improve your sleep. Then, identify what’s helped you in the past, what your options are, and decide the action you’ll take to achieve your goal.

Be certain to realistically assess the risk associated with your chosen course of action. Capture your goal and the action steps you’ll take in your phone and get started. Your health depends upon it.

Are you trying to ignore stress?