If you want more energy available to use for your calling, stop hanging around people who are stressed out. I recently read about a study that showed being around stressed out people stresses us out, too (click here to read the article).
Researchers found that stress is contagious. Watching a loved one undergo a stressful experience increased a person’s level of stress by a lot. Even watching a stranger get stressed out significantly increased a person’s own level of stress.
The implications are huge. Other people may be sapping our energy left and right:
- the stress puppy in the cubicle next to us
- the relative with a heretofore undiagnosed anxiety disorder
- the friend who is a chronic complainer
- the loved one who is always worried about the future
- the people in bad circumstances on your favorite TV show
All these people steal our energy by stressing us out.
Some people can use a little support going through a tough time. This is different from what we’re talking about. Other people seem to create stress and are in a constant state of stress. For example, people who are passive and wait until things become a criss before attempting to deal with them – by asking for your help.
The best way to reclaim the energy we are losing because of other people’s stress is to set and maintain healthy boundaries. We can point out the problem and identify consequences if they do not change. We may need to distance ourselves from the stressed out person. Ideally, we will find new people who are positive and supportive instead.
Take a few moments to consider who in your life may be stressing you out because of their own stress. Then think about any adjustments you may want to make in the relationship.
