Stress is an inevitable part of life, a reality we must manage for the sake of our health and well-being. Most often, we associate stress with major challenges and overwhelming situations…financial problems, career changes, relationship struggles, grief, loss, overwhelm. The big stuff.
While the big stuff is easy to label as stress, there’s another category that can often go unnoticed, unmanaged, unidentified.
You’ve only been up ten minutes and you’ve found the bathroom sink backed up, a glass of soured milk your teenager left on the kitchen counter all night, and a beeping smoke detector screaming for the batteries you forgot to buy…
You’re driving to work ten minutes later than you should be, when someone cuts you off in traffic. Your least favorite bank teller wastes your time chatting it up with the patron in front of you. You answer your phone just before an important meeting and it’s someone trying to sell you a car warranty…
Not the big stuff of life, right?
So, why is your heart racing?
These small, inconvenient annoyances that accumulate throughout our day have a name. Microstressors. Seemingly insignificant on their own, taken together they can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
Are you being impacted by microstressors? Here’s how to tell if you are:
- You’re reacting to things instead of being proactive.
- You’re running from one thing to another without a chance to process what’s just happened.
- You’re frequently overreacting to small setbacks and snapping at loved ones.
- You’ve slowly dropped the activities and relationships which previously brought you joy.
- Your day starts to feel off track as soon as you sit down and look at your inbox.
Left unacknowledged and unmanaged, microstress can deliver a major punch.
Acknowledging Microstress
The first step in managing microstressors is to acknowledge their existence. Simply giving them a name and identifying them can decrease their influence in our lives.
The next step is to actively seek ways to counterbalance the effects of microstress.
The Power of Authentic Connections
Research consistently shows that increasing the number of “authentic connections” in our lives can help alleviate the effects of microstress. Ideally, we need 2-3 small groups of friends or activities outside of work and home.
Here are some suggestions:
• Join a book club from your local library or bookstore—or start one yourself.
• Consistently take the same exercise class at your gym.
• Take an in-person class on a topic you enjoy at a local college or community center.
• Support a cause and volunteer your time.
• Find a networking meeting or meet-up in your area.
• Join a community theater or improv group.
• Join a recreational sports league in something you enjoy or want to learn.
• Participate in a community service project.
In addition to taking the power away from the microstressors, engaging in fulfilling activities and building connections will help you bring your best to your family and your work.
Need help managing microstress? Let’s connect!
