Stress Research Increases

It seems like the impact of stress has increasingly become a topic for research in business, health, social and political arenas. Just about every journal representing every interest has something to say about stress. Why? Because stress impacts everyone to some degree in some way.

We all have experienced stressful situations. A good definition of stress is when “…environmental demands, internal demands, or both, tax or exceed the adaptive resources of an individual…” We all have experienced large stresses—the ones we try to avoid or have to power through.

Stress Large and Small

But there are other, smaller instances that can impact us just as much as the macro stresses. They are referred to as micro stresses. Any time we have expectations that aren’t met and we have no ability to control them, they will elevate our stress level. Researchers have found that the cumulative effect of these small inconveniences and irritations can have a significant effect on our health and performance, just as the large stressors do. In fact, they usually ramp up large stresses, like deadlines and other pressures, and make them seem insurmountable.

Micro stresses occur in the normal experiences of work life: people who are late for meetings, meetings that run too long, others not following through on their promises or obligations, people who are unprepared, etc.

Stress Management

Here’s the point: because micro stresses are just that—small and inconsequential—don’t allow them to be magnified. Keep them in perspective by trying these self-managing techniques.

First, talk to yourself off the edge. When I experience a micro stress and I respond with irritation, I keep myself in check by asking, Really Guy? You’re going to let that get under your skin? It’s not worth it. It’s amazing how smart I feel. Haha.

Another idea is that when a micro stress appears, rather than power through it, stop and slow down everything—your breathing, your thoughts and your emotions. Then concentrate on relaxing your body where stress manifests itself. In no time (less than a few minutes), you will be able to refocus on the task at hand.

After you practice these techniques a few times, they become easier. The objective is to keep the macro stresses from escalating because of micro stresses. When you keep the little stresses little, you right-size the large stresses so that you have the physical, mental and emotional capacity to persevere. And that’s a win.