Dealing with stress is a common
occurrence for all of us, with most of us facing it daily. Careers offer the potential for great success, but they also come with the burden of stress. The challenging situations that trigger stress not only affect us but also impact our superiors, colleagues, and peers, leading to a more chaotic atmosphere overall. This phenomenon occurs in more than just the workplace, often reaching all aspects of our lives. People respond differently to stress - some may shut down, others may seem more productive when under pressure, while some may spread their stress to others throughout the day. Indeed, stress can spread like a contagion. But how does this happen? Let's delve into this phenomenon.
The Impact of Colleagues' Energy on Workplace Atmosphere
Have you ever encountered a colleague whose negative energy drains you, they tend to dwell on problems rather than seek solutions, or simply bring down the overall vibe at work? This behavior could be due to poor management or it might be a characteristic of that person to create a toxic environment, which can have a negative impact on the workplace and its employees if not addressed. On the other hand, having a cheerful and optimistic colleague can spread positivity and enthusiasm to those around them.
Similar to how microbes or pathogens can be transmitted, psychological states can also be infectious. Although it may not be as readily apparent, once familiar with this concept, it becomes simpler to identify and shield yourself from. Just as we take precautions against physical illnesses, we must also safeguard ourselves from mental 'pathogens'.
The Impact of Stress on Our Bodies and Health
Upon experiencing stress, our bodies undergo various rapid physical responses. Muscles tense up, breathing may become shallow, and heart rate and blood pressure increase. Sweating, unexplained stomach discomfort, and tension-related headaches or neck pain may also occur. Persistent stress can result in serious health conditions like heart disease, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes, especially in postmenopausal women with reduced Estrogen levels.
In times of stress, the hypothalamus instructs the pituitary gland to release a hormone to the adrenal gland, leading to an increase in Cortisol production. Cortisol can offer a surge of energy to help us confront or manage demanding circumstances. This, combined with the release of Adrenalin, activates our fight or flight responses, which are easily triggered by stress.
According to the American Psychological Association, stress can lead to bowel discomfort, impacting the speed of food digestion, nutrient absorption rates, and alterations in gut microbiota. These factors have implications for our mental health and overall well-being.
"Stress is associated with changes in gut bacteria which in turn can influence mood. Thus, the gut’s nerves and bacteria strongly influence the brain and vice versa." -American Psychological Association
The Power of Psychological Resonance: How Stress is Contagious
Have you ever observed a public speaker facing challenges with their confidence? The discomfort is evident, not only for the speaker struggling with their words, but also for the audience. This shared unease is known as 'physiological resonance' or 'psychological interconnectedness', commonly recognized as empathy. Research indicates that we can actually 'catch' someone else's physiological stress. This poses concerns for individuals at higher health risk because of their associations with highly stressed peers and colleagues. It's crucial to bear in mind that this phenomenon extends beyond the workplace to our personal lives. It appears that our parents were correct about the influence of peer pressure on us. Psychology Today affirms that the people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our behavior.
"when speakers showed high cortisol responses, the observers also showed high responses. We described this matching as 'physiological resonance'. It was as if the stress system in the speaker had a direct impact on the stress system in the observers." - Psychology Today
This acquisition of another persons stress response may be triggered through facial expressions, body language, and vocal tone. The more we are able to shake off inherent stress or tension, the better equipped we will be to take on the hurdles of each new day.
Empowering Yourself Through Emotional Awareness and Self-Preservation
Remember that no one can influence your feelings without your consent. By recognizing the subtle signs of stress and distancing yourself from the person causing it, you will notice an improvement in your ability to think clearly. Through strengthening our convictions and self-awareness, we can better protect ourselves from the interconnected nature of physiological distress. Additionally, delving deeper into this phenomenon will help us recognize and overcome emotions that do not belong to us.
Engaging in personal introspection helps us distinguish between our own emotions and those of others, enabling us to better handle challenging situations by taking a step back and giving ourselves time to gather our thoughts and calm our minds. Despite any chaos happening around us, we have the power to control our thoughts and emotions. Taking a brief pause to contemplate the transient nature of life and the vastness of the universe can often assist us in putting our seemingly insurmountable stressors into a more manageable light.
Mental health is a valid reason to remove yourself from a volatile work environment, friendship or relationship, especially if it is causing you undue stress or emotional turmoil. Remember that being in a supportive environment where you are appreciated will help you thrive. Conversely, nothing can thrive in a toxic setting. It's like attempting to grow flowers in concrete - while a few may survive, it will be a constant struggle without the necessary nutrients or support. It may be possible, but it will be incredibly challenging. Choose what is right for you and don't allow the eagerness for riches or status to drive your mental health into the proverbial wall.
Hopefully, the information presented in this article has been helpful to you. Recognizing our personal strengths and the natural capacity of our brains to interpret subtle signals conveyed through the facial expressions and body language of others, can help us release stress that is not ours to bear. Each interaction we engage in can either elevate or diminish us, underscoring the importance of choosing our companions and environments wisely. It also proves advantageous to monitor our own energy to ensure we aren't making others 'sick' with stress.
Wishing you the best as you face and conquer any challenges that come your way, whether at work, with family, or among friends. Be mindful of your emotions and recognize signs of stress in others to avoid contracting stress that isn't yours.
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Take good care. Love yourself, love each other.
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Your words are very comforting and I thank you 🙏🙂