Skip to main content

Being Stressed is Never a Flex

Stress and being overworked are synonyms. The notion of work stress has become an almost ubiquitous part of our lives. It's not uncommon to hear individuals boasting about how busy they are, how many tasks they have to juggle, and how little sleep they're getting. Some even wear their stress as a badge of honor, treating it as a sign of productivity and dedication. 

However, being stressed is not a flex, nor should it be glorified. In fact, it can have serious negative implications for both our physical and mental well-being.

Stress is not a Status Symbol 

The idea that being stressed indicates importance or achievement is a flawed concept. True accomplishment is not measured by the number of hours spent working or the amount of anxiety one feels. Rather, it's about the work quality, the impact made and the ability to maintain a balanced life. A

A person who manages their time effectively and prioritizes self-care is often more successful in the long run than someone perpetually on the brink of burnout.

Glorifying overwork

When stress is seen as a symbol of success, individuals are more likely to push themselves beyond their limits, ignoring the warning signs of physical and mental strain. This can lead to a cascade of negative effects, including compromised immune systems, sleep disturbances, and even chronic illnesses. 

Chronic stress is addictive. 

Chronic stress can be habit-forming and can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression, taking a toll on mental health. Ultimately, embracing stress as a positive attribute only fuels a cycle of diminished well-being.

Equally concerning is the impact of overworking on relationships. Those who consistently prioritize their work and stress over social interactions may find themselves alienating friends and family members. The inability to be present in the moment due to a constant preoccupation with stressors can hinder meaningful connections. 

Isolation from others can further exacerbate the negative effects of overworking, as social support is known to be a key buffer against its harmful consequences.

Shifting the narrative around stress is a must for every worker out there. Instead of glamorizing it, we should focus on developing healthier attitudes towards work and life. Time management, delegation, and setting realistic goals are essential skills that can help individuals achieve success without sacrificing their well-being. Cultivating hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in regular exercise are all proven ways to manage stress effectively.

Am I stressed?

I'd say it's on a healthy level. I am most happy when I am not so busy that I feel overwhelmed, but busy enough to feel like there isn’t quite enough time to get everything done. 

Popular posts from this blog

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...

Weekly Facebook Reel Content Plan (#003): Being a Good Samaritan

  With a theme like "Being a Good Samaritan," you can create a powerful way to engage your audience while promoting kindness and community involvement. Here's a table to guide you through a week of such content: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Helping the Homeless Show yourself preparing care packages and distributing them to homeless individuals. Tuesday Animal Welfare Visit an animal shelter and spend the day volunteering. Highlight ways others can help too. Wednesday Environmental Cleanup Organize or participate in a local area cleanup. Share tips on how to keep communities clean. Thursday Food Donation Collect food items and donate them to a local food bank. Encourage viewers to do the same. Friday Elderly Care Spend time with elderly people in a care home or virtually. Share their stories and needs. Saturday Acts of Kindness Perform random acts of kindness like paying for someone's coffee. Challenge your audience to do the same. Sunday Community Awar...

How Important is Proper Document Control in ISO Accreditation?

If your organization is working toward ISO accreditation—or trying to maintain it—you’ve probably heard the phrase document control more times than you care to count. But before your eyes glaze over, let’s break it down. ISO standards (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 27001 for information security) are built on the idea of consistency, traceability, and accountability. None of that works without proper documentation. And documentation doesn’t stay proper on its own. It needs structure. That’s where document control comes in. So, how important is it? In short: it's everything. What Is Document Control in the ISO Context? Document control refers to how an organization manages its critical documents—such as procedures, manuals, forms, and records—so that they are: Correct (the latest version) Accessible (to the right people) Secure (from unauthorized changes) Traceable (who approved, changed, or accessed them)...

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate.   It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic. 

Ilokano Folklore Art: Fabulous Traditions with Modern Interpretations

Ilokano folklore art refers to the artistic expressions and creative representations of the cultural stories, myths, legends, and traditions of the Iloko people, who are an ethnolinguistic group native to the northern Philippines, particularly the Ilocos Region.  This art encompasses various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, literature, music, dance, and even crafts.  Visual Arts : Ilokano folklore is often depicted in visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Artists may create images of legendary figures such as Lam-ang (a hero in Ilokano folklore) or scenes from traditional stories and myths.  Literature : Ilokano folklore has been passed down through generations through oral tradition, and many of these stories have been documented in written form. Traditional epics, chants, and folk tales often serve as inspiration for Ilokano writers and poets.  Music and Dance : Ilokano folklore is also expressed through music and dance. ...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters  Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Library Crafts: 3D Letters with Butterflies and Flowers

Library crafts are a fun way to keep users engaged, especially the young ones. This works for the library because children will remember the place as somewhere to have fun and learn art and not a place where a librarian is always shushing them and telling them not to make a mess! Materials: Cardboard or thick foam board Craft knife or scissors Colored paper and cardstock Butterfly and flower templates or pre-cut shapes Glue sticks Double-sided tape Markers, glitter, and stickers Small faux flowers, fabric butterflies, or other embellishments Paint and brushes (optional) Instructions: Create the Base Letters: Pre-cut large 3D letters from cardboard or foam board. Alternatively, have kids trace and cut out their own letters with supervision. Decorate with Paint: Let kids paint the letters in their favorite colors, and allow them to dry. Cut Out Butterflies and Flowers: Kids can use templates to trace and cut out butterflies and flowers from colored paper or cardstock. Alternatively, p...

Why Social Media Influencers Need to Keep a Reel Content Log Book?

 Keeping a  reel content logbook offers several benefits for content creators. Here are some key advantage s: 1. Organized Planning:    - A logbook helps you systematically plan and organize your content. It provides a clear overview of your upcoming reels, ensuring you stay on track with your content schedule. 2. Content Consistency:    - Maintaining a logbook ensures that your content remains consistent. You can plan themes, styles, and posting frequencies, which helps in building a recognizable brand identity. 3. Idea Management:    - A logbook serves as a repository for all your content ideas. This prevents you from forgetting good ideas and allows you to revisit and refine them later. 4. Efficient Workflow:    - With a detailed plan in place, you can streamline your content creation process. You know exactly what needs to be filmed, edited, and posted, reducing last-minute rushes and stress. 5. Tracking Performance:    - ...

Short Story: Backward Day

  ASIAN AMERICAN   HOLIDAY   PEOPLE OF COLOR A young twenty-something man was waving at people gawking at him in the parking lot while loading several pounds of burgers, loaves of bread, and cartons of beer into the trunk of our car. My boyfriend Tony was a sight to behold in any crowd, with his blonde hair and muscular build. But today, what was catching the crowd’s attention was his inside-out shirt, pants, and canvas hat.  I’m not too worried about people reporting my eccentrically clad hunny-bunny to the police. Rambling, crazy locals were normal for the day before the Superbowl when every adult in our town was on shopping duty. The crazier you looked, the less likely anyone would disturb you while you were taking all the beer. Only, today wasn’t a normal one for my crazy family, who we’re visiting for the Superbowl weekend.  It’s Backward Day, a tradition that our family kept going for as long as I could remember. Despite its name, it was not just one ...

What Librarians Do in 2024: Keeping Up with Everyone's Needs

Libraries are accessible to everyone... and we mean EVERYONE! Hey there! I'm a librarian, and if there's one thing I know, it's that libraries are not just about books anymore. They're about people – all kinds of people. And in 2024, our job is to make sure we're keeping up with what everyone needs, even as those needs keep changing. So, how do we do that? Let's dive in.   Getting to Know You   First up, we need to really understand who's using the library. This means looking beyond just the numbers and getting to know the community. What languages do they speak? What kind of information are they looking for? Do they need places to study, meet, or even just hang out? The more we know, the better we can be at making the library a welcoming place for everyone.   Technology is Our Friend   These days, almost everyone uses some form of technology, whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops. As librarians, we're jumping on this tech train too. We'r...