Stress has become an all-too-common experience for many of us. Despite the prevalence of stress in our lives, there is hope. One of the most effective ways to combat stress is by understanding how you’re motivated, that inner drive that pushes us to pursue goals, overcome challenges, and find fulfillment in the journey.

According to the Work in America survey by the American Psychological Association, workplace stress is concerning, with 77% of workers reporting work-related stress in the month previous to the survey. Also, 57% of those surveyed reported negative impacts because of work-related stress, including. These reports included:

  • emotional exhaustion (31%)
  • unmotivated to do their best (26%)
  • a desire to keep to themselves (25%)
  • a desire to quit (23%)
  • lower productivity (20%)
  • irritability or anger with coworkers and customers (19%)
  • feelings of being ineffective (18%)

More concerning, the same survey reported that many employers do not actively support their employee’s mental health, with many not respecting time off. 

Stress affects employee’s well-being

Stress can negatively impact an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  Stress can:

  • Weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illnesses like colds, flu, and infections.
  • Exacerbate existing health conditions.
  • Contribute to the development of mental health problems.
  • Negatively impacts cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities, decreasing productivity and performance.
  • Cause insomnia or other sleep disorders, leaving you feeling tired, irritable, and unable to cope with minor challenges.
  • Strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
  • Cause people to turn to unhealthy coping strategies such as overeating, substance abuse, or excessive alcohol consumption to deal with stress, which can lead to additional health problems.

The causes of stress

Stress does not need to be caused by a heavy workload. Some common causes of stress include:

  • Heavy workload and tight deadlines
  • Long working hours and lack of work-life balance
  • Unclear job expectations or lack of direction
  • Conflicts with coworkers or supervisors
  • Insufficient support from management or colleagues
  • Job insecurity or fear of layoffs
  • Lack of recognition or rewards for good performance
  • Micromanagement or lack of autonomy in one’s work
  • Commuting challenges

These stressors can vary depending on the individual, job role, and work environment. Stress can have a cumulative effect. One minor stressor can be easily mitigated, but numerous stress factors can often create a cascading effect that can lead to burnout.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. 

How to manage stress

There are numerous ways to manage stress if you cannot escape stressful situations. These include:

  • Practicing mindfulness. Focus on the present moment and accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you avoid getting caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.
  • Reframing negative thoughts. Challenge negative self-talk and look for alternative, more positive perspectives on stressful situations. Ask yourself if there are any opportunities for growth or learning.
  • Cultivating gratitude. Regularly acknowledge the things you’re thankful for, as this can help shift your focus away from stressors and toward the positive aspects of your life.
  • Embracing imperfection. Accept that perfection is unattainable and that it’s okay to make mistakes. This can alleviate the pressure you put on yourself.
  • Practicing self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times. Recognize that everyone faces challenges and setbacks.
  • Maintaining a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as threats. Believe in your ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.
  • Setting realistic expectations. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and avoid overcommitting yourself. It’s okay to say no to additional responsibilities when necessary.
  • Finding meaning and purpose. Focus on the bigger picture and the things that truly matter to you. This can help put stressors into perspective and make them feel more manageable.
  • Practicing acceptance. Acknowledge that some stressors are beyond your control, and focus on what you can change or influence. Let go of the need to control everything.

Remember, developing a stress-reducing mindset takes practice and patience. Be kind to yourself as you work on incorporating these strategies into your life.

But truly, one thing can help mitigate nearly any stressful situation: knowing yourself and remaining true to who you are.

Knowing yourself and what motivates you

When you are centered on knowing who you really are, it is much easier to reframe your experiences for empowerment. It’s easier to set effective boundaries as well as center yourself in your purpose.

Motivation isn’t just a fleeting feeling that shows up sporadically. You have specific Motivational Dimensions that drive your performance, success, and deep satisfaction. When you discover which of these 8 Dimensions Of Motivation fit your unique profile, everything shifts. You learn how to:

  • Structure work so that it fits your Motivations
  • Gamify repetitive tasks so you find greater fulfillment
  • Understand how others might affect your mindset, thereby lessening relationship stressors
  • Communicate more effectively with leadership to better manage expectations
  • Reward yourself in meaningful ways

Feeling motivated can significantly reduce stress by fostering a sense of purpose, control, and resilience. Stressful situations are more easily resolved as you:

  • Engage in proactive problem-solving
  • Take action towards your goals
  • Find innovative solutions to long-standing problems

A study by Merino et al. (2019) found that intrinsic motivation was negatively associated with perceived stress among university students, suggesting that those who were more internally driven experienced lower stress levels.

It makes sense. When you’re working with your own Motivational Dimension, pushing through even the most challenging tasks is easier.

If you haven’t yet taken the Motivation Code assessment, it’s time. The Motivation Code assessment uses your unique success stories that shape who you are. MCode pairs your stories with more than half a century of behavioral data and scientific research to provide the game-changing, motivation-driven insights needed to connect you to your purpose. It’s the first step in knowing who you truly are, eradicating stress as you begin living a life that is more uniquely you.

Get started with Motivation Code.