The Antidote to Stress: Well-being, A Holistic Approach to Thriving in a Demanding World

Burnout and stress are widespread affecting individuals on a global scale. In the United States alone, one in four Americans experiences burnout, and one in three reports feeling moderate to severe stress. These challenges extend beyond American borders, with seven in ten people worldwide struggling or suffering in their lives. The sources of stress are as diverse as the individuals experiencing them, influenced by factors such as age, sexual orientation, race, religion, geography, and income.   

This year, the American Psychological Association reported a surge in stress pointing to the collective trauma of the pandemic, global conflict, racism, economic concerns, and climate-related disasters. This isn’t just a recent phenomena.  Worryingly, recent statistics indicate that stress levels have been on the rise for over a decade, as reported by Gallup, indicating a concerning long-term trend.

Well-being: An Overlooked Antidote

The challenges are significant.  But there is an often overlooked antidote to stress: well-being. Well-being, unlike externally driven stressors, is more within our control and takes a holistic approach to the various facets of our life. It involves feeling good in our careers, communities, and relationships, as well as maintaining physical and financial well-being. These elements collectively contribute to a holistic sense of being well.

The consequences of neglecting well-being are significant. We become less resilient, creative, confident, and understanding.  Eventually, we’ll become less productive.  Our impact in the world will also decrease. 

The Myths of Well-Being

However, the perception of well-being as a luxury and self-absorbed persists.  Or else, too many view well-being  through a narrow lens often equating it with physical fitness or spa visits.

Contrary to misconceptions, well-being is a holistic approach focusing on living our best possible lives while also anticipating a positive future. It is an integral part of a broader societal shift in measuring progress. Instead of solely emphasizing productivity, economic development, and income levels, social scientists advocate to measure well-being evaluating dimensions such as health, longevity, and happiness.

Tailoring Well-Being: A Unique Journey

While statistics on stress, burnout, and suffering are troubling, creating a life of well-being varies for each person due to their unique talents, motivators, and character.

For some people, improving well-being can mean spending more meaningful time with family and friends.

It can mean, investing in learning and growth to grow new career skills or secure a degree.

An investment in well-being may translate to a serious commitment to heal from past traumas that impede mental health.

For others, an investment in well-being can mean making a conscious choice to choose a lifestyle that means you are drawing hard boundaries to limit work and confronting expectations that you or your work seems to drive.

Researchers at Gallup who study well-being report that the more we can make progress in five fundamental dimensions of well-being– career, social, financial, physical, and community – the less we face burnout, anxiety, stress and the more we thrive. See Gallup Well-being index below.

Career Well-Being: A Pivotal Element

While investing in well-being is multifaceted, career well-being has the most significant impact on a fulfilling life. Shockingly, only one-third of the workforce believes they are thriving in their careers, leaving two-thirds disliking or disengaged from what they do daily.  A disengaged employee is a recipe for exhaustion and stress.

A disengaged employee is 61 percent more likely experience burnout and 48 percent more likely to report daily stress.   They are twice as likely to report daily sadness and anger. The World Health Organization reports an annual loss of $1 trillion due to diminished productivity caused by mental health concerns, primarily exhaustion and stress.

Five of the top ten reasons people leave their jobs are well-being related, including limited flexibility for work-life balance, feeling undervalued, poor work culture, inadequate physical work environments, and lack of emotional stability and security. Individuals lacking well-being experience more stress, burnout, reduced enthusiasm for work, and an overall sense of life dissatisfaction.

For most people, a shift towards greater well-being at work means a critical examination of one’s career. For some, it might mean shifting toward a new job. But more often than not, career well-being involves a more fundamental shift to a role where employees can truly invest in their strengths while also finding strategies to support their well-being.  This strategy boosts well-being more than any other.

The Pathway to Well-Being: Reaping the Rewards

While there are major rewards to creating a life of well-being, investing in well-being demands internal work and a significant time commitment. It requires a shift in self-expectations, adjustments to priorities, and a focus on long-term gains over short-term wins. It entails confronting vulnerabilities and making decisions that align with long-term well-being rather than succumbing to short-term impulses.

In essence, the pathway to well-being is not necessarily easy; it demands dedication and perseverance. It involves resisting the allure of short-term decisions that may compromise long-term goals. But a commitment to well-being translates into substantial returns delivering better mental health, increased life satisfaction, a greater sense of purpose, and boosted resilience. The investment in a life of well-being pays off in the form of a fulfilling and satisfying existence.