This week I experienced stress guilt – the guilty feeling that I should be doing more because I don’t feel massively stressed about work right now. Not because I’m not being productive, efficient and adding value (which of course I am! 
)– but because I’m NOT feeling stressed. So I had to question myself – why should NOT feeling stressed about work make me feel guilty?
In today’s fast-paced world, the notion of success has often become entangled with the idea of constant stress. We’ve been conditioned to believe that the more stressed we are, the more successful we must be. However, this mindset has led many (like me!) to experience a unique kind of guilt—the guilt of not feeling stressed despite excelling at work.
So if I’m feeling this, then others must be as well, right? Hence I thought I’d do a little further exploration. I know that this is not healthy for me, so it’s time to work out how to break free and embrace a healthier perspective on work and productivity.
The Myth of Stress as a Productivity Indicator
Stress, and the ever-pervasive toxic resiliency has somehow become synonymous with productivity. We’ve been led to believe that if we’re not frazzled, if we’re not pulling our hair out in the midst of deadlines, we’re not truly working hard enough. But let’s pause and consider the true impact of chronic stress on our work and well-being.
Research has shown that excessive stress can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a host of negative health effects. While a certain level of stress can provide motivation and focus, an overload of stress is counterproductive. When we’re overwhelmed, decision-making becomes clouded, creativity is stifled, and our physical and mental health suffer.
Understanding the Sources of Stress Guilt
According to Champion Health, 79% of all stress is is caused by work stress. So why do we feel guilty when we’re not constantly stressed at work? It’s a result of both internal and external pressures. We compare ourselves to others who seem to be perpetually on the edge, juggling numerous tasks. We see success stories that highlight sleepless nights and relentless dedication, and we wonder if we’re doing something wrong by not experiencing the same level of stress.
Moreover, society’s glorification of the “hustle culture” adds to this guilt. We’re bombarded with messages that tell us that unless we’re grinding ourselves to the bone, we’re not on the path to success. These factors contribute to the guilt we feel when we’re able to excel without being overwhelmed.
For me there’s also the fact that I’ve spent a lot of my working career to date feeling a high level of stress – so it feels a little alien to me to not have that.
However I had to reflect that this less stressful work life has neither happened by accident, nor has it happened easily. I’ve worked very hard to learn how to best manage stress over a number of years, and also worked hard to evolve my career in a way that reduces stress and suits me better. So I should be celebrating this achievement and not berating myself!
Strategies for Excelling Without Overwhelm
The good news is that it’s entirely possible to excel at work without succumbing to constant stress. Here are some strategies to help you embrace a stress-free work mindset while still achieving your goals:
- Embrace Efficient Time Management: Incorporate time management techniques into your routine. The Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused intervals followed by short breaks, can enhance your productivity. Similarly, the Eisenhower Matrix helps you prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, allowing you to allocate time wisely.
- Practice Effective Communication: Open communication is key to managing stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to discuss your workload and concerns with colleagues or supervisors. Setting boundaries and being transparent about your capacity can prevent unnecessary stress.
- Set Realistic Goals: Instead of piling on an overwhelming number of tasks, focus on setting achievable and meaningful goals. Define clear objectives and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This approach reduces the need for frantic multitasking and ensures you’re working on what truly matters.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Recognize that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for sustainable success. Regular breaks, physical activity, and mindfulness practices rejuvenate your mind and prevent burnout. Remember, taking care of yourself is an investment in your productivity.
- Celebrate Achievements and Progress: Give yourself credit for your accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrate milestones along the way. Acknowledging your progress boosts your motivation and self-confidence, reinforcing a positive work environment.
Overcoming Internal Resistance and Societal Pressure
Breaking free from stress guilt requires addressing internal resistance and societal pressures head-on. Recognize that your worth isn’t determined by your stress levels. It’s okay to take pride in your ability to excel while maintaining your well-being. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who value work-life balance and redefine your own metrics of success.
And if (like me) you do feel stress guilt, try just sitting with the feelings you have for a while. Take a moment to feel what’s going on. Don’t try and fix it by setting yourself up (with more work for example) to experience more stress, so that you’re back in your comfort zone. Allow what’s there to just be and acknowledge how it feels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, excelling at work doesn’t necessitate a constant state of stress. It’s time to ditch the guilt associated with not feeling overwhelmed and redefine success on your terms. Remember that your productivity, creativity, and well-being thrive in a balanced environment. Embrace efficient time management, set achievable goals, prioritize self-care, communicate effectively, and celebrate your achievements. By doing so, you’ll not only excel at work but also lead a more fulfilling and healthier professional life.
It’s time to shatter the myth that stress is a badge of honour. Let’s celebrate a new era of productivity—one that embraces success without the unnecessary overwhelm.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and whether this is something that you’ve experienced or been able to overcome?