Well, Well, Well…Are You?

When did the momentum of the rest of the year creep into the summer months? Not long ago, we remember the summers being a bit less hectic and slower. Now, it’s a scramble to get the downtime needed to recharge between conferences, leadership retreats, end of fiscal year goals and other plans.

Leaders in advancement and healthcare philanthropy are dealing with more stress than ever in their positions and the emotional exhaustion leading to burnout. You’re working long hours; dealing with global and local crises; advising presidents, boards and donors; and having the weight of the institution's image and future resting at least partly on your shoulders. I’d venture to guess that if you’re not prioritizing your well-being, you’ve paid a steep price (or you’re headed in that direction).

Stress is still at an all time high post-pandemic according to Gallup. Our health is negatively suffering as our stress levels rise in order to meet aspirational (and perhaps unattainable) expectations of success. 

What if we reframed rest? How might it change our levels of stress? What if, instead of “working hard to earn our rest,” we rested well long enough to do our best work? Resting thoroughly enough to show up as our best selves for our colleagues, our families and friends, and most importantly, ourselves. Are you getting enough sleep each night? How are you prioritizing movement every day? Are you relying too much on caffeine?

Our brains are so well programmed to respond to threats, our cortisol levels can rise even before we fully process a situation. Chronic stress hormone levels can lead to negative health impacts such as cardiovascular complications, panic attacks, higher levels of anxiety and an inability to make healthy behavioral choices.

Suppressing the stress response, even if the stressor is no longer a threat, doesn’t alleviate the adrenaline and cortisol running through your body. You need to cue to your body that you are safe - physical activity, deep breathing, creative expression, positive social interaction, laughter and affection are all ways that can help reduce stress hormones, with physical activity being the most effective way to relieve stress (Nagoski & Nagoski, 2019).

This topic of stress and its effects on our physical health is so important, Bryant Group is moderating a panel with executive leaders on their health, wellbeing and resilient leadership at the CASE Summit for Leaders in New York City on July 22, 2024. Our panel features Scott Roberts, Vice President, Development, Oklahoma State University; Tamara Michel Josserand, Vice President, Development, University of Washington; Rhea Turteltaub, Vice Chancellor, External Affairs, UCLA; Dexter Bailey Jr., Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations, California Institute of Technology; and Tony Proudfoot, Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Communications, Western Michigan University.

What are the most effective ways for you to complete the stress cycle? Petting your dog (affection), greeting others as you’re out and about (positive social interaction), making a delicious meal (creative expression), breathing techniques and a quick change of scenery with a walk around outside (physical activity) are my go-to stress management tactics. I would love to collect others’ best practices and share them more widely. Feel free to email me here.

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