Stress. It’s a word that echoes through our schools, workplaces, and homes, affecting everyone differently yet profoundly. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stress levels globally, disrupting daily routines and forcing us into new ways of living and working. Understanding and effectively managing stress is crucial because of its profound impact on our mental health and productivity
Stress is a hot topic because it impacts our mental health and productivity, making it crucial to understand and manage effectively.
The Double-Edged Sword of Stress
Stress, in moderation, is necessary. It helps us stay alert, motivated, and ready to face challenges. This is known as eustress, the positive form of stress that can enhance our performance and well-being. However, chronic stress is detrimental. When stress becomes a constant companion, it takes a toll on our health, leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments such as heart disease. This blog will explore different elements of stress and how we can adopt strategies for better mental health.
Why is stress so prevalent today? Is this something we can agree with?
- Pandemic Pressures: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges, from health fears to economic instability and social isolation. These factors have significantly impacted mental health, particularly among students and workers.
- Social Media Overload: Our constant connection to social media adds another layer of stress. The pressure to maintain an idealised online persona, fear of missing out (FoMO), and exposure to misinformation can heighten anxiety and stress levels.
Today’s heightened stress levels can be attributed to several factors that might not always be at the forefront of our discussions. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust us into a world of health fears, economic uncertainty, and enforced isolation, while our constant engagement with social media piles on additional pressures, such as maintaining a perfect online image, experiencing the fear of missing out, and navigating through a sea of misinformation. I believe these elements play a crucial role in why stress is so prevalent in our times, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of managing such pressures in our daily lives.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Student Stress and Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted student learning and stress levels, largely due to the shift to virtual learning and decreased social interaction. According to research by Yasmin, Khalil, and Mazhar (2020), factors such as weakened teacher-student relationships, insufficient family support, and unhealthy lifestyle choices due to indoor confinement have exacerbated these stresses. Students face acute stress, which is immediate but short-lived; episodic acute stress, which is recurrent and often seen in those with high-pressure lifestyles; and chronic stress, which can lead to serious long-term health issues if not managed.
Effective strategies to manage this stress include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good time management, seeking support from family and friends, and engaging in relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. Implementing these strategies can help students manage their stress better and improve their overall well-being and academic performance. Understanding COVID-related stress is crucial for comprehending workplace stress because the pandemic has significantly altered work environments, increased job insecurity, and shifted work-life boundaries, all of which contribute to heightened stress levels among employees.
Stress in the Workplace and Its Effects on Job Performance
Workplace stress significantly affects employees’ performance and organisational success. Ozden Altindag (2020) explores how stress management within organisations can influence job performance. Common workplace stressors include role conflict and uncertainty, excessive responsibility, and inadequate working conditions.
Impact of Workplace Stress:
- Decreased Job Performance: High stress levels can lower motivation and productivity.
- Increased Absenteeism and Turnover: Chronic stress leads to higher absenteeism and turnover rates.
- Physical and Mental Health Issues: Persistent stress can cause serious health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.
Effective Stress Management Strategies:
- Improving organisational support by fostering a supportive work environment.
- Clarifying job roles to ensure employees understand their responsibilities.
- Enhancing the physical work environment with adequate lighting and ergonomic conditions.
- Encouraging open communication and participation in decision-making processes.
Understanding the relationship between stress and job performance is also important for recognising how social media affects our stress levels. It can amplify workplace stressors by contributing to distractions and increasing the pressure to always be available and responsive, thereby impacting overall job efficiency and mental well-being.
The Role of Social Media in Stress: Strategies for Better Mental Health
Looking at the bigger picture, social media is a double-edged sword. While it connects us and provides valuable information, it also contributes significantly to stress. Wolfers and Utz (2022) explain how social media can function as stressors, resources, and coping tools.
Negative Aspects of Social Media:
- Approval Anxiety: The constant need for validation and approval can lead to anxiety and stress.
- Fear of Missing Out (FoMO): Constantly seeing friends’ rewarding experiences can cause feelings of inadequacy and stress.
- Misinformation: Exposure to false information, especially regarding health crises like COVID-19, can increase stress levels.
Social media usage is pervasive, especially among younger age groups. According to the Pew Research Center (2021), about 84% of young adults aged 18-29 use social media regularly, with 95% of teens reporting they use a social media platform. However, this constant connectivity also serves as a significant distraction. Research by Kirschner and Karpinski (2010) suggests that social media use can increase cognitive load, making it harder for individuals to focus and process information effectively. This added cognitive load can impair productivity and contribute to higher stress levels.
Positive Uses of Social Media:
- Building and Maintaining Social Capital: Social networks provide support and guidance, acting as a buffer against stress.
- Access to Information: Reliable information can help individuals feel more informed and in control.
Using Social Media as Coping Tools:
- Seeking social support from online communities.
- Using social media for self-distraction and emotional venting.
- Problem-solving by accessing helpful resources and information.
Understanding how to cope with the stress induced by social media is crucial for broader stress management strategies, as it helps highlight the need for setting boundaries and adopting mindful practices in our digital interactions, which are essential for maintaining mental health and productivity in a technology-driven world.
Practical Strategies for Managing Stress
Understanding the sources of stress and implementing effective management strategies can significantly improve mental health and productivity.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to maintain physical and mental well-being.
- Time Management: Plan and organise your tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed and enhance productivity.
- Support Systems: Rely on family, friends, and professional support to share and mitigate stress.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to calm the mind and body.
- Mindful Social Media Use: Be aware of how social media affects you and limit exposure to negative content. Focus on positive interactions and seek out supportive online communities.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but understanding its sources and implementing effective management strategies can significantly improve mental health and productivity. By drawing on evidence-based research, we can develop practical approaches to navigate stress, whether in academic settings, the workplace, or through our interactions with social media. By fostering a supportive and healthy environment, we can enhance overall well-being and achieve our full potential.
Stay tuned for more insights and strategies on managing stress and improving your mental health and productivity. For a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I am available for a phone call at +61466 160 115 or via email, gabrielle@onpointpsychotherapy.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
References
Altindag, O. (2020). Relationship between stress management and job performance in organisations. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 9(2), (pp.43-49).
Kirschner, P. A., & Karpinski, A. C. (2010). Facebook and academic performance. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), (pp. 1237-1245).
Pew Research Center. (2021). Social Media Use in 2021. Retrieved from [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/)
Wolfers, L. N., & Utz, S. (2022). Social media use, stress, and coping. Current Opinion in Psychology, 45, 101305.
Yasmin, H., Khalil, S., & Mazhar, R. (2020). COVID 19: Stress management among students and its impact on their effective learning. International Technology and Education Journal, 4(2), (pp. 65-74).
Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky
Psychotherapy and Counselling Professional
Certified PACFA Counsellor
