Think back to our previous post and Shawn Achor’s research on stress. By changing how you perceive stress (stress is performance enhancing not debilitating), you can reap from its benefits rather than suffer in its misery. In his book, “Before Happiness,” Shawn Achor challenges you to recognize alternative realities when it comes to dealing with stress in a three-step process:
(1) Become aware of the stress
(2) Look for the meaning behind the stress or put the problem into perspective (e.g. I am stressed because if I do a good job on this presentation, it will open the door for more speaking opportunities in the future which aligns with my personal long-term goals)
(3) Recognize that the stress you feel can improve productivity and performance (look at the positive side or silver-lining of the situation).
Never forget, that your mindset about stress can affect the response that is produced, and “while stress in inevitable, its negative effects are not.”1
When dealing with stress and job dissatisfaction, it is important to also remember the power of positive self-talk and maintaining a positive outlook. In the previous post you were challenged to reflect once again on the PERMAH model and how it could be applied to Richard Hackman’s research findings.2 Check out our break-down of his three major findings below and how you can utilize activities related to the PERMAH model to help improve your overall satisfaction in the workplace (also consider referring back to the post entitled “In the Pursuit of Happiness” posted on 5/5/20 for additional information):
- The work should draw out a variety of talents and skills
- The employee should complete a whole task, from beginning to end rather than play a minor role in the big picture
- Can you see how this is consistent with the PERMAH element of accomplishment? Select activities to achieve accomplishment including goal setting, seeking feedback, and celebrating success.
- The employee should feel that her work has a significant impact on others
- This is consistent with the PERMAH elements of building strong relationships as well as enhancing positive emotions. How can you enhance positive emotions while building relationships within the work environment? Consider using an app or group email to send positive quotes in the workplace (e.g. “positive quote of the day”) or create a positive quote board that everyone can contribute to for inspiration.
Therefore, to increase happiness levels at work and to combat detrimental stress, take initiative, and seek out opportunities that invigorate you. Set goals that challenge you in a healthy way, take on new experiences that you are passionate about which allow you to contribute more to the workplace and build stronger relationships at work.
An additional exercise proposed by Dr. Ben-Shahar is “The Three-Question Process.”2 Take time to reflect and write down answers to the following questions:
- What gives me meaning? What provides me with a sense of purpose?
- What gives me pleasure? What do I enjoy doing?
- What are my strengths? What am I good at?
Once you have your answers, review them carefully and find the overlap among the responses. This exercise will help you discover and identify types of activities within your work environment that would bring you joy and meaning, which will ultimately lead to increased levels of happiness, productivity and performance.2
The upcoming posts this week (as well as additional posts which will be posted throughout Mental Health Awareness Month (May) by Maggie Kronz, Daniel Pons, and Cavan O’Kane) were created by ASHP New Practitioner’s Forum CDAG to provide you with helpful resources to improve your mental health and well-being. Upcoming topics include: Positive psychology and how this can be applied to your personal and professional life to increase your levels of happiness and well-being, managing anxiety and depression, identifying your personal values and how to incorporate these values into your career to avoid burnout, imposter syndrome and how it may be affecting your mental wellness, how to handle a negative work environment, and how to be a wellness leader at your workplace. We hope you find these posts beneficial and give you a good starting point to help you be well!
If you missed earlier posts, check them out here:
References:
- Achor S. Before happiness. New York: Crowne Business; 2013.
- Ben-Shahar T. Happier. McGraw-Hill; 2007.