Mindfulness : When Healthy Stress Becomes Unhealthy

By Survindar Chahal
In
Posted Wednesday October 25, 2023

Mindfulness : When Healthy Stress Becomes Unhealthy

Practice Managers are likely to experience a great deal of stress on a daily basis. This is perfectly normal, as your job is demanding and requires you to juggle many different responsibilities. However, it is important to be able to manage stress effectively, as too much stress can lead to burnout and other negative consequences.

Is there ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress?

One way to manage stress is to understand the difference between ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’. Healthy stress, also known as eustress, is the type that motivates you and helps you to perform at your best. For example, you may experience healthy stress when you are starting a new initiative to improve patient care at your practice, or when you are faced with a challenge that you believe you can overcome.

Unhealthy stress (distress) is the type of stress that is overwhelming and can lead to negative consequences. Unhealthy stress can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a heavy workload, difficult patients or staff members, or financial problems.

If you are experiencing unhealthy stress, it is important to take steps to manage it. Here are a few tips:

Identify the source of your stress. Once you know what is causing you stress, you can start to develop strategies for managing it. For example, if you are feeling overwhelmed by your workload, you may need to delegate tasks or learn how to say no.
Take breaks and time for yourself. It is important to schedule time for relaxation and activities that you enjoy. This could include spending time with family and friends, exercising, or reading.
Seek support from others. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you to cope with stress and feel more supported. There are also a number of resources available to help you manage stress, such as employee assistance programs and online resources.

If you are a PM who is experiencing unhealthy stress, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many PMs experience stress on a regular basis. However, by taking steps to manage your stress, you can protect your health and well-being.

When ‘healthy stress’ can become unhealthy

Starting a new initiative. While starting a new initiative can be exciting, it can also be stressful. PMs may worry about whether the initiative will be successful and how they will manage to implement it without neglecting their other responsibilities. If the initiative is not well-planned or if it faces unexpected challenges, this stress can quickly turn into unhealthy stress.
Dealing with a difficult patient or staff member. All PMs have to deal with difficult patients and staff members at some point. However, if a PM is constantly dealing with difficult people, this can lead to chronic stress. Chronic stress can cause a variety of health problems, such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension.
Financial problems. PMs are responsible for managing the finances of their practice. This can be a stressful job, especially if the practice is facing financial difficulties. Financial stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

If you are a PM who is experiencing unhealthy stress, it is important to take steps to manage it. Here are a few tips:

Talk to your manager. Your manager may be able to help you to identify the source of your stress and develop strategies for managing it. For example, your manager may be able to delegate some of your tasks or provide you with additional support.
Take breaks and time for yourself. It is important to schedule time for relaxation and activities that you enjoy. This could include spending time with family and friends, exercising, or reading. Taking breaks can help you to clear your head and come back to your work refreshed.
Seek support from others. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you to cope with stress and feel more supported. There are also a number of resources available to help you manage stress, such as employee assistance programs and online resources.

Here are some additional tips for PMs who are experiencing unhealthy stress:

Set realistic expectations for yourself. Don't try to do too much at once. It's okay to say no to new projects or tasks if you're already feeling overwhelmed.
Delegate tasks when possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your team members or other PMs.
Take care of yourself. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.
Connect with others. Spend time with your family and friends, or speak to other PMs.

If you are a PM who is experiencing unhealthy stress, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Talk to your manager, take breaks and time for yourself, and seek support from others. There are also a number of resources available to help you manage stress, such as employee assistance programs and online resources.

Don't be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you coping skills and strategies for managing stress. Many PMs experience stress on a regular basis, but by taking steps to manage your stress, you can protect your health and well-being.