Stressed out? You’re not alone! A recent Gallup survey found that 51% of respondents were experiencing stress at work. Fifty-one percent! That’s a lot of people. That means every other person you meet is dealing with stress. This is no bueno! When you’re under stress, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in. Your sympathetic system is like that one overeager friend who’s always ready for everything. Got a presentation coming up? Get laser-focused! The big boss visiting? All hands on deck! Your body immediately screams, “Quick! Release all the stress hormones immediately! This is definitely a life-or-death situation!”
While this response helps you sharpen your focus for immediate challenges, it can drain you if left unchecked. And without proper decompression, you’ll get sick. (No kidding!) Think of it like an engine constantly running at full speed — it will eventually overheat and break down. Here are some signs of stress and ways to manage it before your engine starts smoking!
Signs of Stress Overload
- Physical symptoms: Those tension headaches, shoulders that feel like rocks, fatigue, and that annoying eye twitch that won’t go away.
- Mental fog: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and making simple mistakes. And yes — this is when you read the same email five times and still have no clue what it says.
- Emotional rollercoaster: Irritability, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed by tasks that usually don’t faze you — like one minute you’re cool as a cucumber and the next you’re ready to throw your laptop out the window.
- Sleep disruption: Either sleeping too much or lying awake at 3 AM wondering if you replied “per my last email” too aggressively.
Your VIP Pass to the 49% Club
Want to join the zen side? Let’s dive into some tools you can use to manage stress.
- Schedule “me time”: Block your calendar for decompression like you would for any other important meeting. Walk away from your desk, go to the cafeteria, go to the restroom — do whatever you want but don’t stay at your desk.
- Move your body: Exercise isn’t just for your muscles — it’s a stress-busting tool. Instead of using the elevator, take the stairs. Park farther away from entrances. These small changes add up to more movement throughout your day.
- Practice mindfulness: Five minutes of deep breathing can help reset your stress response. Do this a few times when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can do this at your desk, during your commute, or even in a meeting — no one will notice!
And most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Remember, managing stress isn’t a luxury — it’s necessary for good health. Taking these steps isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a smart investment in your wellbeing. After all, wouldn’t you rather be in the 49% who’ve found ways to keep their stress in check? Ready to join the 49% Club? Let’s get started…
Adeline (Addy) Maissonet is a Procurement Analyst for the Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). She serves as a senior advisor on contracting policies and procedures and the agency’s representative on the Department’s views on proposed legislation to Congressional members, their staff, and committee staffers. Prior to her current role, Addy served as a Division Chief and Contracting Officer with unlimited warrant authority for the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) – Fort Eustis, Virginia. Addy holds an MBA in Management and Contracting Level III Certification under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act. She is a graduate from Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Certificate Program. In her free time, Addy enjoys hiking and overlanding with her family and friends.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense.
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