Knowing we all need some stress to function, that stress stems from uncertainty, and when to seek help are just some of the most important lessons advisers have learned about dealing with stress over their careers.
To mark National Stress Awareness Day Health & Protection asked advisers what the most important lesson they have learned about stress over their career is and why.
Devastating effect
Marcia Reid, non-executive director at Sherwood Healthcare, revealed her biggest learning stems from seeing a loved one suffer complete burnout.
“I have witnessed the devastating effect that this can have,” Reid continued.
“This was the sharpest lesson in the way stress can cause physical and mental damage, and how long it can take to find normality again. Over the years I have realised that really understanding your priorities is key.
“Time management is the biggest challenge in achieving work life balance, and just taking a few minutes out to think ‘what is most important for me to do today?’ can really help. If the answer is something personal or family related then you should do it.
“Mini tips like taking regular breaks (a quick walk around the garden can work wonders), deep breathing and rewriting ‘to do’ lists (it’s amazing how much you can push to the following day) can all make a difference.
“Start saying ‘No’ when people are making unreasonable demands on you (both at work and at home) – if you practice, it can get easier and highly effective.”
But the most important thing to do, Reid adds, is to seek help. “I have learnt that there is no shame in stress, and if you are feeling overwhelmed there is plenty of help out there– whether it’s friends, family, employee healthcare programmes or the medical profession,” Reid concluded.
Stress stems from uncertainty
Joanna Streames, owner of Velvet Mortgage and Insure, says over her career she has learned that stress is often a result of uncertainty.
“Clients need clear, transparent communication to feel secure in their financial decisions,” Streames continued. “Providing them with comprehensive information and guidance can significantly reduce their stress levels as well as creating a great team, outsourcing as much as humanly possible and great processes.
“Stress is reduced by being proactive, addressing potential issues before they become major problems whcih then not only mitigates stress for you and for clients ultimately creating better relationships.”
Streames maintained that stress management is integral for advisers and having a long career because without it they would break down and burnout .
“The key lesson I’ve learned is that empathy and active listening go a long way in helping clients navigate the complex world of insurance and mortgages,” she added.
“Planning is a key antidote to stress in the financial sector both for running such a company and when dealing with clients.
“I have and still am often working hours which are just way too long. It is imperative to constantly strive for a better work balance with yourself and your team.”
Being self aware
For Linda Beavis, senior consultant for global benefits at Aon, understanding how you react to stress is key.
“That stress can easily impact you and your life, both in and out of work, but having self awareness of how you react and when you react is key to understanding when it is having an impact on you and then being able to address it,” Beavis said.
Catalyst to getting things done
Katy Davies, specialist protection adviser at Henry Dannell, recommends a change in perspective.
“Stress is a by-product of caring about what you do, being conscientious and driven,” Davies says.
“Of course it can feel detrimental and have physical and mental affects, but if managed well, it can act as a catalyst to get things done.
“This has been an important lesson to me – instead of ‘I am so stressed and overwhelmed’ you could say, ‘I am so productive and have so many opportunities’. Our language around feelings can influence the result hugely. I have had a lot of coaching and have conditioned myself to see stress as a positive force.
“I worry when I don’t have a level of stress. It shows we are passionate and tenacious and working on something.
“This should be balanced with looking after yourself, eating well, sleeping well and doing things that reduce stress outside of work because running at a constant level of stress I would argue isn’t healthy.”
Steve Ellis, associate director at Prosperis, agrees adding we all need a degree of stress to function.
“Otherwise we would not get out of bed,” Ellis added.
“However, it is important to not let this get out of hand to the point where it destroys your home and family life.
“I have learnt recently that it is important to take time to reflect and allow your brain to recover, this in turn gets things in to perspective and helps manage stressful situations.”