Techniques for Managing Stress in Team Settings

Do you ever feel like you're everyone's "work therapist"? Where people come to you and share their stresses, strains, pains and more? On one hand, it's wonderful to be helpful, compassionate, and supportive. (And boy do we need that more than ever!) On the other hand, unless you're actually a licensed mental health professional, you may be overstepping your helping role. This can both tax YOU emotionally, and underserve someone who really would benefit from professional help. As a manager, your role isn’t to diagnose or provide therapy, but to create the conditions where your team member feels supported, respected, and connected to the right resources. Here’s a breakdown of what's actually MORE helpful than being everyone's quasi-therapist. 1. Notice and acknowledge Pay attention to changes in behavior, performance, or engagement. Approach with empathy: “I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately—how are you doing?” 2. Listen, don’t diagnose Offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk. Focus on listening and validating feelings, not fixing or labeling the problem. 3. Connect to resources Know your organization’s policies, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or mental health benefits. Encourage them to access professional help if needed. 4. Adjust work supportively Explore flexible options (deadlines, workload, schedules) where appropriate. Reinforce that performance expectations remain, but show willingness to adapt. 5. Model healthy behaviors Set an example by taking breaks, managing stress openly, and respecting boundaries. Normalize conversations about well-being so team members feel safer sharing. In short: Your role is to notice, listen, support, connect, and model. You’re not their therapist; you’re their leader, creating a culture where mental health is taken seriously and help is accessible. #mentalhealth #wellbeingatwork #stress

Workplace negativity isn't permanent. Just 1% improvement each day makes a huge difference in a year. I've been there before ... Dreading Monday mornings. Feeling stuck in toxic patterns. Watching morale sink lower. But here's what I discovered: Positive change happens through simple, consistent actions. Here are 7 powerful techniques that help: 1. Start with a Gratitude Check-in ➟ Begin meetings by sharing one good thing ➟ Keep a work wins journal at your desk 💡 Research shows: Gratitude reduces workplace stress by up to 28% 2. Practice the "Pause and Pivot" ➟ When negativity strikes, take 3 deep breaths ➟ Ask: "What can I learn from this?" 💡 Studies confirm: This technique breaks negative thought cycles instantly 3. Create Connection Moments ➟ Schedule 10-minute coffee chats ➟ Make time for non-work conversations 💡 Data proves: Strong work relationships boost job satisfaction by 50% 4. Set Boundaries with Purpose ➟ Define your non-negotiables ➟ Communicate them clearly and kindly 💡 Psychology reveals: Clear boundaries reduce workplace anxiety 5. Choose Growth Mindset Language ➟ Replace "I have to" with "I choose to" ➟ Focus on learning from challenges 💡 Research shows: Growth mindset increases resilience and job performance 6. Take Purposeful Breaks ➟ Step outside for 5 minutes ➟ Move your body between tasks 💡 Science confirms: Short breaks improve focus and mood 7. Practice Active Appreciation ➟ Acknowledge colleagues' efforts daily ➟ Be specific with your praise 💡 Studies prove: Recognition is the top driver of employee engagement Here's the simple truth: You don't need to transform everything at once. Pick one habit that resonates. Start small. Be consistent. Which habit will you start with today? - - - - - ♻️ Repost if this resonated with you! 🔖 Follow me Suren Samarchyan for more

Underrated superpower: staying calm in chaos. 5 research-backed strategies to master it. Last week, I was in a meeting when a leader let out an audible sigh during a tense meeting. The sigh wasn’t just a sigh. It was a signal of frustration that spread to the whole team. People disengaged, the room grew tense, and the project suffered. We’ve all been there. One sigh, one eye roll, one tense moment. And suddenly the room shifts. It’s a reminder,  even small reactions can have big consequences. Here’s the thing:  Your brain’s amygdala can hijack your body in high-stress moments, triggering fight-or-flight mode.  It overrides the rational prefrontal cortex,  making it harder to think clearly  or make good decisions. But the most successful leaders I’ve seen stay calm. Especially when things feel crazy.  Their calm inspires trust,  strengthens relationships,  and turns chaos into clarity. Want to do the same? Try these 5 proven techniques: 1️⃣ Understand Amygdala Hijack (and How to Stop It): When stress hits, the amygdala can hijack your ability to think clearly, overriding the rational prefrontal cortex and making decision-making nearly impossible. Tip: Spot the signs (racing heart, flushed face) and remind yourself, “This is a biological response—I can take control.”   2️⃣ Hack Your Nervous System with Breathwork: Slow, controlled breathing signals your brain that you’re safe. Tip: Try Box Breathing. It reduces cortisol and reactivates the rational part of your brain. 3️⃣ Ground Yourself Physically: Grounding techniques interrupt emotional overwhelm by bringing your focus to the present moment. Tip: Plant your feet firmly on the floor or lightly touch your fingers together while counting to 10. 4️⃣ Label Your Emotions: When emotions run high, naming them can create psychological distance. This practice, known as affect labeling, helps you step back from intense feelings and respond with clarity. Tip: Instead of saying, “I’m so angry,” try reframing it as, “I’m having the thought that I feel angry.” 5️⃣ Use a Mantra to Stay Centered: Mantras are a powerful way to interrupt emotional escalation. Tip: Repeat phrases like, “This will pass” or “This isn’t about me. This is about business.” Each technique works on its own, but together, they give you the tools to master any high-pressure moment. Stress is inevitable.  Chaos is inevitable.  But calm?  That’s your leadership edge. And your greatest strength. What’s your go-to strategy for staying calm? ♻️ Share this to make calm contagious. ➕ And follow me (Amy) for more.