How much stress is healthy?

The word 'stress' often brings a collection of negative connotations alongside it.

But not all stress has to be detrimental, it's a spectrum, a certain level of stress can be a powerful motivator.

A certain level of stress is motivating, and it's the mental fuel that can drive performance and innovation, especially if you're working in a fast-paced market.

However, striking the fine balance between healthy motivation and unhealthy stress is crucial for both personal wellbeing and business wellbeing.

So what is healthy stress? Are there any benefits of being stressed? How can we use strategies for managing stress to ensure it remains a positive force rather than a destructive one.

The science of stress

Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges. Our bodies release stress hormones in response to perceived threats. These 'threats' could be looming tight deadlines or large scale investments. Our brains don't know the difference between a tight deadline or a huge wild animal chasing us. Adrenaline and cortisol gets us pumped to 'fight or flight' in response to actual threats that could be life threatening.

We all know an overload of this stress response is a negative thing for our bodies.

But in moderation, this response is beneficial; it sharpens focus, increases energy, and can help us perform better under pressure. This healthy stress, alongside a growth mindset can be a strong motivator. It can help get things done, efficiently.

However, when stress becomes chronic - when the body remains in a heightened state of alert for prolonged periods - it can lead to a host of physical and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

The demands of running a business, managing a team, and staying competitive in the market can easily tip the scale from healthy to unhealthy stress.

So how do we identify healthy stress?

Healthy stress

Not all stress is harmful.

In fact, a certain level of stress, known as 'eustress,' is necessary for growth.

Eustress is the positive form of stress that arises when we are faced with a challenge that we believe we can meet.

This type of stress can lead to increased motivation, improved performance, and a sense of accomplishment.

Signs of healthy stress:

• Feelings of motivation
• Mental clarity
• Being in 'the zone' and focussing productively on a project
• Taking breaks in between projects and recognising the time for a break
• Positive feelings of creativity towards completing a project

For SMEs, eustress can be a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation.

How to turn stress into success

Eustress can take 'challenges' such as meeting a tight deadline, launching a new product, or entering a new market as an exciting opportunity to tackle a project. The stress associated with these tasks can push teams to think creatively, work more efficiently, and achieve goals they might not have thought possible.

However, if the stress is managed properly, it can lead to a surge in creativity and productivity. Your team may brainstorm more effectively, come up with innovative ideas, and work together more cohesively.

The result? A successful campaign that not only meets the your customer's expectations but also boosts the agency’s reputation and morale.

Recognising the signs of unhealthy stress

While eustress can be beneficial, it's important to recognise when stress crosses the line into unhealthy territory. No task is ever worth the burnout.

Chronic stress or 'distress,' can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and serious health issues.

The pressure to perform and constant demands can make it difficult to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy stress.

Common signs of unhealthy stress include:

• Physical symptoms: Frequent headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
• Emotional symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, depression, and feelings of overwhelm.
• Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and negative thinking.
• Behavioural symptoms: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, social withdrawal, and neglect of responsibilities.

Recognising these signs early is key to preventing stress from becoming a problem.

Managing unhealthy stress

Managing stress effectively is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring long-term success.

How can you strike the balance between stress and productivity?

• Prioritise self care
• Make your goals realistic
• Foster a supportive work environment
• Delegate
• Plan for downtime
• Know when enough is enough
• Encourage an open dialogue

Prioritise self care

As a business owner or marketing manager, it's easy to put the needs of the business before your own or your employees. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. These habits not only improve physical health but also enhance mental clarity and resilience.

Make your goals realistic

Unrealistic goals sets you up for a stressful time. Setting achievable goals can help manage stress by providing a clear roadmap for success. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate milestones along the way. This helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and provide a sense of progress.

Foster a supportive work environment

Creating a positive work culture where employees feel supported and valued can reduce stress levels across the board. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for professional development, and recognise the efforts of your team.

Delegate, delegate, delegate

Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for burnout. Trust your team to handle tasks and empower them to make decisions. Delegation not only reduces your own stress but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among your employees.

Plan for downtime

Just as important as managing workload is planning for downtime. Taking regular breaks and scheduling time away from work can prevent burnout and promote a healthier work-life balance.

Know when enough is enough

If stress becomes unmanageable, seeking professional support or coaching can be beneficial. These professionals can provide strategies for coping with stress and help you develop a plan for maintaining a healthy balance.

Encourage open dialogue

Promote a culture of openness where employees feel comfortable discussing their stress levels and seeking support. Regular check-ins can help you gauge the well-being of your team and address any issues before they escalate. Provide resources and training on stress management, and make it a part of your company culture.