Employee stress on the radar, it’s time to pause and self-reflect says Life Coach Brendan Burns

Work-related stress is on the rise in the U.S., with more than 83% of people now reporting that they deal with job-induced anxiety. Increased pressure at work has far-reaching consequences for employees as well as the companies that they work with. Poor mental health can lead to depression and a plethora of problems that come with it. Renowned life coach Brendan Burns is on a mission to help people face stress and alleviate the issues at hand.

Know what truly matters

Burns firmly believes that mental health and wellbeing is of utmost importance. Several factors are responsible for stress within the workplace. Exceedingly long work hours, demanding bosses, below-average salaries, and the looming pressure of maintaining a healthy work-life balance are amongst the primary factors. Americans between the ages of 30 to 49 and 15 to 29 experience the highest levels of stress. Burns explains, “Stress in any form can cripple a person. Our state of mind affects our health and wellbeing on multiple levels. Society has conditioned people to aspire to pre-determined goals. The need of the hour is to stop, evaluate, and reflect on what we truly want in life.”

Life’s not a checklist

Our mental state manifests itself physically, and thus several ailments follow suit. Depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, psychological and physical fatigue, and reduced productivity are just the tip of the iceberg. People think and act in a particular way, and thus the permeation of stress begins. From obtaining stellar grades in college to securing high paying jobs, starting a family and having children, the list is never-ending. People tend to compare themselves with those around them, and thus discontentment rears its head. Burns elaborates, “Life isn’t a checklist where each of us should struggle to tick all the boxes to come across as a successful person. The secret is to slow down and live life on terms that make you truly happy.”

Health is wealth

People who primarily focus on acquiring and accumulating wealth as quickly as possible are often the most unhappy. Life isn’t about which car you own, how big your house is, or how many credit cards you possess. Working adults often neglect their health as they continue to climb the corporate ladder of “success.” This behavior translates into health problems and ailments, which require extensive medical treatment.

Approximately $26 billion per annum goes in treating depression in the U.S. Fortunately, people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and combating stress at work. Burns is no stranger to the perils of work-related stress. He previously worked as an investment banker as well as a hedge fund manager based out of New York. Burns faced extensive pressure to a point where he decided to take matters in his own hands. He read hundreds of books and studied the path to self-improvement and stress relief. Burns chose to dedicate his time to helping people improve their quality of life, reprioritize and lead happier lives. Life isn’t about getting from point A to point B; it is a journey that means to be felt, experienced, and savored.