More Ways of Handling Stress in the Workplace

Using Hardiness to Handling Stress
Introduction
Research has found that executives who handle stress best are those that have developed hardiness which is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.

There are 3 traits (3Cs) to hardiness:
i) commitment (ha ve a clear purpose; have a positive attitude to life; be involved in activities to give connection and meaning)
ii) control (this is about perceived control, ie
"...The more perceived control, the greater the ability to cope with stress..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023o

Two types of control prevail:
i) externally driven, ie you have little or no control over your life and what happens, eg fatalists

ii)  internally driven, ie you believe you can control your responses and reactions to events and people.
NB Having an internally-driven focus helps you manage stress better because you 'know' you can respond wisely.
"...what you can control......how you respond. It is deciding to notice and accept your emotions and then moving from reaction to wise-response mode. Recognising and accepting the difference is crucial in behaving and leading positively, productively and sustainably..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023o
It is more effective to focus your energy on those challenges that you can influence, rather than waste time, energy, etc on those that you cannot.

iii) challenge (the way you view change will influence the impact of stress, ie it is better to view change as a positive challenge and an opportunity to learn, grow and develop, rather than a danger or threat.
Consequently,
 "...these traits decrease the risk of developing stress-related health problems by 50%..."
Susanna Kobasa as quoted by Michelle Gibbings, 2023o cultivating and deploying these traits means that you are better able to handle the experience of stress.

Underlying this a growth mindset (for more details see elsewhere in the Knowledge Base)
"...growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed and outcomes can be achieved through focus and effort. This mindset shift fosters a sense of curiosity and resilience, encouraging you to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to learn......it involves cultivating a positive mindset, maintaining a solid support network, and caring for your physical health..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023o

Self-care plan
This plan, associated with managing stress constructively focuses on the development of
"...healthy habits, or rituals, that nourish your body and soul, an activity to keep you in the best physical, mental and spiritual shape. When your energy is positively charged, you are grateful for what you have. You are generous to others and focus on sharing and supporting those around you..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2023o
Furthermore, you need a network of supportive colleagues, friends, etc during challenging times.