Sammy is the founder and CEO of 

In a recent report that surveyed 5,000 full-time employees, a striking 96% expressed a preference for companies that clearly prioritize well-being when exploring potential employers for their next job opportunity. But while there have been growing calls for workplaces to focus on greater work-life balance as part of employee well-being, we’ve also seen a counter-narrative arise from those who advocate for working longer hours at a high intensity if they desire success, as in the case of Elon Musk and the Wayfair CEO’s recently leaked email to his staff.

It is no surprise that this sentiment has earned both CEOs flak. Pushing staff to work 60 to 80 hours a week has historically been associated with workplace trauma and burnout. But this also seems to suggest that despite all the recent strides companies have made in terms of well-being, there are still those at the very top who believe that employee well-being can sometimes stand in the way of corporate profitability.

At its core lies a question of whether there can genuinely be a win-win here: Can employee well-being and productivity (and therefore profitability) go hand in hand in this economic climate? I believe they can.

What is the case for employee well-being?

The research indicates that companies that do not prioritize employee well-being will eventually pay in the long run in the form of attrition, absenteeism and insurance claims. According to McKinsey, unaddressed employee stress, burnout or health issues can yield higher absenteeism and reduced productivity, costing medium-sized companies $228 million to $355 million per year.

Furthermore, increasing levels of stress in the workplace are contributing to a surge in insurance claims as well as a subsequent rise in premiums. This is underscored by a report from The American Institute of Stress, which says that around 40% of workers’ compensation claims can be directly attributed to elevated stress levels.

Nurturing a culture that prioritizes employee mental and physical health can help minimize businesses’ risk exposure and bring several positive outcomes, including reduced absenteeism. When employees are healthy, both physically and mentally, the likelihood of them taking sick leave diminishes. A well-supported workforce exhibits a higher chance of being regularly engaged.

Is there a happy medium?

As someone who has experienced corporate burnout personally and is, at the same time, a founder concerned about firm performance in this economy, I think there is a healthy medium—a way to win on both fronts of productivity and well-being. I believe employee well-being can be realistic and aligned with market realities, but only if leaders become much more flexible with how we think about both productivity and employee well-being.

For starters, productivity levels are not proportional to hours spent at work, nor is productivity confined to the workplace. Many employees are exceptionally productive within a 40-hour work week and do not need to work longer hours. At the same time, employees are now adept at finding opportunistic pockets of time to do their most productive work. Our CMO, for instance, calls 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. her “magic hours,” a two-hour window in which she achieves more than she does in an entire afternoon.

Working habits often depend on an individual’s job function. Our data scientists, engineers and designers, for instance, need hours of uninterrupted deep work. They often find they work best after conventional work hours because they get the most productive work done in the absence of meetings.

Well-being and productivity are certainly not a one-size-fits-all, and productivity can be achieved without compromising on well-being.

How can you balance productivity and employee well-being?

Interestingly, my company has found that when individuals live healthier lives, this improves their focus and productivity levels. For instance, some employees may sneak in a workout during lunch hours or do a walking meeting so they can get another peak in focus and productivity after lunch, which is typically followed by an energy slump. Leaders can help support employees by encouraging regular breaks, physical activity and mindfulness practices.

A flexible schedule can also accommodate productivity by allowing your employees to work during times that align with their natural energy levels. In my experience, recognizing and respecting diverse work styles contributes to a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

Health tech and wearables have made it possible to observe, predict and therefore engineer your focus and productivity throughout the day through the measurement of vital health data points such as daily step counts, heart rate and deep sleep. (Full disclosure: My company offers this type of service, as do others.) Instead of focusing on the number of hours worked, consider using these as proxy metrics to understand employee focus and productivity levels, which can be a better indicator of performance than clocking numbers on a time sheet. On a broader level, you can also now use AI to analyze such datasets to predict negative outcomes like absenteeism and insurance claims in the future, which cost companies worldwide billions of dollars.

Other ways AI and health tech can be leveraged include:

• Equipping wearable devices with sensors to monitor environmental factors and employee movements so as to check potential safety hazards, helping you and your employees prevent accidents and injuries.

• Tracking biometric data, such as heart rate and sleep patterns, to identify signs of fatigue. This can provide insight into when employees are burned out.

• Monitoring stress levels, anxiety and overall well-being to help identify patterns associated with potential mental health challenges, allowing for more timely interventions and support.

Methods like these can help address a notable pain point for companies, many of which are gunning for profitability yet struggling with attrition, absenteeism and burnout. Even as we think about improving well-being and productivity, it is equally important to develop ways of managing health risks—and this is all the more possible thanks to advances in AI.

There’s so much we’ve learned about humans at work since the pandemic, and we need to continue evolving and adapting our understanding of productivity and well-being. I believe it will be through our willingness to revisit the ways we measure productivity, mitigate risk and understand well-being that we can truly achieve the win-win and build successful yet sustainable businesses today.

By Sammy Rubin

Originally posted in Forbes

Photo by fauxels

As a leader, it’s your responsibility to remain aware of these key changes and embrace these five leadership trends are set to take front stage in 2024:

Wellbeing-Focused Leadership

There has been a major uptake in focus on well-being and mental health initiatives within the workforce; this is particularly vital for those who work remotely, and even more crucial since we’ve all experienced major world changes that have altered our lifestyles, as the cost of living crisis and inflation, wars between countries and politics that have affected our families, and the ever-looming threat of layoffs. According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 70% of Americans feel that the nation does not care for them and are worried about their human rights being under attack, with 38% considering moving to another country.

Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report reveals that 57% of U.S and Canadian workers are stressed on a regular basis, while another report from The American Institute of Stress uncovered that 83% of Americans suffer from work-related stress, costing the economy $77 billion. This is something that leaders and managers cannot afford to turn a blind eye to, if they are concerned about reducing costs, improving productivity and high levels performance, and engaging employees. Well-being needs to be high on the agenda for 2024, with all leaders thinking and working collectively to develop strategies and policies that put the employees wellbeing first.

AI-Powered Leadership

With the generative AI boom that was sparked by ChatGPT, will come the need for leaders to adopt this technology at scale. This involves upskilling your team on how to use and deploy it effectively, and will bring significant returns in the long run, to improving overall productivity and boosting wellbeing, with employees being empowered to produce better quality work in less time. As a leader or manager, you will also be empowered with the data and intelligence to be effective in your role.

Emotionally-Intelligent Leadership

Employees want leaders who are more empathetic, compassionate, self-aware, excellent communicators, and can coach them to success instead of micromanaging or distrusting their work. This is especially essential as Gen Z takes over as the next biggest generation on the workforce, while Baby Boomers go into retirement. Many managers and leaders have complained about Gen Z’s lack of work ethic, which in some respects, is justifiable. But since Gen Z is poised to be the next generation of leaders, why not develop one’s own growth mindset and coaching skills to be a mentor and coach be these young professionals, so they can be high performers in their jobs and careers?

Additionally, when you are an emotionally intelligent leader, you will produce a more positive work environment, attract more quality candidates because of your employer brand, and resolve workplace conflict effectively.

Additionally, when you are an emotionally intelligent leader, you will produce a more positive work environment, attract more quality candidates because of your employer brand, and resolve workplace conflict effectively.

What’s coming in 2024 will be a workplace revolution like no other. Leaders and managers who desire successful careers and want an empowered workforce need to be aware of these key changes that will impact their businesses and the global economy, and prepare through developing a growth mindset, being self-aware, and maintaining a positive attitude towards change while leveraging technology to remain competitive.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Photo by Dinielle De Veyra

The American Institute of Stress

By Rachel Wells

Original post Forbes

Many people dread going home for the holidays. It can be a stressful time of tiptoeing around fractious family members, trying to keep the peace, and maintaining some personal space.

The American Institute of Stress claims that a score of 150 to 300 points on their Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory equals a 50% chance of a health breakdown in the next two years. The total score is the sum of all one’s stressors; for example, divorce tops the stress scale with a 100.

The holidays are a veritable smorgasbord of stress, with vacations (13 points), holidays (12 points), and potential in-law troubles (29 points). Those who don’t manage their space and set boundaries, could experience changes in residence (20 points), recreation (19 points), social activities (18 points), sleeping habits (16 points), family get-togethers (15 points), and eating habits (15 points). Adding all those together gives a person a score of 157 points, which puts them at an elevated stress risk, even if everything else is going great.

This Too, Shall Pass

One strategy is to recognize that stressors are temporary. People can try keeping calm and carrying on with a stiff upper lip, figuring it’s better if they can enjoy their families. Coleman Concierge interviewed five travel and relationship experts to learn what it takes to not only survive, but to thrive this holiday season.

Plan It Out

Planning is the first step of any endeavor. That’s especially true when confronting unresolved issues from childhood or unrequited affections from youth. A family visit can bring up those issues. Relationship experts have some advice and tips for preparing for the holidays physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Stephen Barton, owner and founder of life coaching site Over The Looking Glass, and author, offers, “My advice to anyone is: ‘Be true to who you are, always in all ways.’”

Yancy Wright, leadership coach and founder of Casa Alternavita, provides these concrete steps for doing just that: “Create a clear agreement with your significant other about how long you plan to stay with their family. Whether it is just for a few hours, overnight or even for a few days, give yourself permission to create space for you to be on your own to recharge as needed.”

There are a few options for finding safe spaces when people or their partners are in times of conflict. Renée D. Burwell, LCSW and Educator, says, “Maybe your parents have an in-law suite, stay at a hotel, or your bedroom or even a closet can be your safe haven when space is needed.”

Dr. Christina Kraft, DMD, has some guidance for being intentional about holiday travel. “Spend some time before your trip thinking, meditating, or journaling on why you are visiting family this holiday,” she says. “Consider the purpose of this family time and why it’s important. Focus on positive feelings and memories and visualize an experience filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Most importantly, grant yourself and others grace and forgiveness if things don’t go as planned.”

Couples may have some unique travel issues. Jennifer Coleman, a couples travel expert, offered practical advice for couples travel particularly appropriate for a gift-giving holiday, “Money is a major source of stress for most couples, so discussing your budget and financial expectations before embarking on your trip is essential. When your budget is decided beforehand, all you need to do on vacation is to enjoy yourselves.”

Peace and Goodwill to All People

The professionals also offer pointers for maintaining peace and goodwill during time with the family. They suggest being careful around controversial topics like conspiracy theories, religion, and politics.

Barton added caveats for controversial conversations like, “unless they bring up the subject,” and “It’s best not to have an opinion about anything even when asked.” Wright suggests people, “find a way to go in with a mindset of curiosity,” while Dr. Kraft takes that idea one step further. She advises, “Understanding that people’s reactions to others are more about themselves and their own internal dialog than it is about you.”

If things do go astray, all is not lost. Yancy suggests guests, “Try to redirect the conversation to something else, something more generative of laughter and connection.” Dr. Kraft recommends self-care by scheduling, “a short trip with lots of private time so everyone has space to decompress.”

If things get heated, Burwell recommends having safety signals and to check in with your partner often because, “Having each other’s back and maintaining a strong unit will help to preserve peace this holiday season and potentially years to come.”

Make Some Space

Some aspects of holiday travel can be more stressful if sharing a family space instead of staying in a hotel. Coleman encourages establishing travel rituals because they, “provide a sense of stability amidst the excitement and unfamiliarity. It could be something as simple as having breakfast together each morning or setting aside time daily to reflect on the day’s experiences.” She continues, “Mistakes and disagreements are bound to happen. Learn to forgive and let go of any resentments. Holding onto grudges will only dampen the joy of your travel experiences. Embrace forgiveness and keep your focus on the present.”

Appreciate the Opportunities

The winter solstice is the longest night of the year, but even the darkest nights have a dawn, and a new year will soon arrive. Yancy says, “Focus on what you can appreciate. Even the little things, like how some food might be prepared or what someone is wearing. It’s so easy to get into a critical and judgmental mindset, so it takes practice to instead focus on things that bring you into the present moment.”

Coleman calls on her adventure travel expertise, equating a family visit with a spot in one’s comfort zone. For some, it’s as comfortable as a warm hug; for others, it can be as uncomfortable as eying the water below a 40-foot cliff jump. She says, “Just beyond your comfort zone is the growth zone, where you can learn and accomplish things you’ve never thought were possible and return with more confidence and courage to face new challenges.” She describes the experiential learning cycle she used while teaching skiing as, “learning a new skill, trying it out, and reflecting on what you’ve learned.”

Remember to reflect on what went right and what went “not so right” during the holiday season and what can be done next time to manifest those goals and desires you visualized before hitting the road. Family connection could be the greatest holiday gift you’ll ever receive. Approaching  loved ones with gratitude and forgiveness makes almost anything possible.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Visit The American Institute of Stress

Over the past few days, Americans have watched with bated breath at the drama unfolding in the House of Representatives, where Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker of the House Tuesday in a move that’s paralyzing Congress.

Experts say the ups and downs of the political world can cause serious stress for people who feel like all they can do is watch helplessly. Plus, with an election year on the horizon, these feelings of stress are likely to only intensify.

“Research suggests election anxiety increased between 2016 and 2020,” Marsha Brown, a licensed psychologist, previously told USA TODAY. “With growing fear for the future of human rights, health care, the economy and other life issues, it seems election anxiety may have risen again since the previous election cycle.”

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, William Heckman, executive director of The American Institute of Stress, says. This affects mood, motivation and fear. A March 2022 poll by the American Psychological Association revealed a majority of Americans reported high-stress levels due to financial concerns, inflation, the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Here are tips to keep in mind if you feel political uncertainty taking a toll on your mental health.

‘Master your morning’

Nefertiti Nowell, a licensed clinical professional counselor in the Chicago metropolitan area, subscribes to this motto: “If you can master your morning, you can master your day,” she previously told USA TODAY. She recommends brief stretching exercises and writing down something you’re grateful for – preferably a new source of gratitude every day. Yoga, deep breathing and meditation can be added to the morning ritual, but it’s not necessary.

Turn off your news alerts

Yes, it’s OK if you need to. “Ensuring the hour before you go to bed is free from electronics is helpful to wind down and keep the nervous system regulated,” Mona Eshaiker, a licensed therapist, previously told USA TODAY. “Similarly, you can limit yourself to media blocks throughout the day. For example, only checking the news for 30 minutes twice a day. This way you are less likely to (doom) scroll or go into an anxious spiral.”

Stressed about the election? You’re not alone. How to stay calm.

Channel your stress

“Many individuals get a sense of purpose and strength by channeling their anxiety into action,” Eshaiker said. “This can look like attending a town hall, volunteering at the polls, canvassing, protesting, information sharing, attending workshops and seminars. Being part of a group can also provide a sense of support and community.”

Journal

Chloe Carmichael, a licensed clinical psychologist in New York, suggests writing a one-page journal entry recording your thoughts and feelings about politics, which she says “can relieve our brain of the burden of feeling like you have to keep all of those points active.”

More:Some neighbors feel hopeless, others are thrilled. How to keep sane in this divided American moment

Go on a media cleanse

“This can be as little as one day without looking at the news or social media. Or a week depending on what you think you may need,” Eshaiker said. “The point here is to help regulate your nervous system after election season to get your mind and body back to homeostasis.”

Seek therapy

Of course, mental health challenges are often best treated with professional help, especially if this stress persists, Eshaiker says.

More:Kevin McCarthy ousted from House speakership after Republican rebellion: What you missed

Contributing: David Oliver, Josh Peter and Marco della Cava

Original post-USA TODAY

Photo by Trev Adams

The American Institute of Stress

Seeing the wave of massive layoffs in late 2022 through the first half of 2023 has created feelings of distrust toward employers and job insecurity. Consequently, the EY data revealed that Gen-Z’s anxiety levels are at an all-time high.

The study captured insights from more than 1,500 participants across the United States born between roughly 1997 and 2007—aged 16 to 26 years old—to track Gen-Z’s personal and professional interests and their outlook on mental health, trust, technology, career and lifestyle ambitions.

Marcie Merriman, EY Americas cultural insights and customer strategy leader, said about the survey, “Right now, Gen-Z is particularly important as the newest generation of consumers, employees and citizens that will dramatically impact businesses today and into the future.” Merriman added that EY’s research found that mental health is an ongoing challenge for this cohort.

They will ultimately comprise a large component of the workforce. Elder Zoomers will soon age out of their parent’s health plans and need to assume the high costs of insurance—not to mention the additional expenses of renting an apartment, paying back tuition loans and life’s necessities.

Key Findings

According to the report, over 50% of Gen-Zers said they are “extremely worried about not having enough money.” In light of the economic turmoil, fears of a recession, the ascension of artificial intelligence and corporate downsizings, making a living is a top priority for these young adults.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

By  Jack Kelly

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

In our fast-paced lives, joy seems like an elusive creature that flits around like a butterfly. Just like health isn’t merely the absence of diseases, joy doesn’t simply pop up once we’ve mastered stress, does it? Instead of solely focusing on becoming stress management gurus, it’s time to become joy creators in our workplace.

As a leadership coach, I’ve witnessed stress sneak into people’s lives like an uninvited party crasher. Sources of stress vary from person to person and so do the ways to bring back joy. Nonetheless, there are some common threads I’ve noticed.

The uplifting feeling of joy that accompanies achievements is expected to be just around the corner. We hustle and chase goals, but often feel unfulfilled. Joy plays hard to get! We can point fingers at the world or take a look at our own contributions to this never-ending state of overwhelm.

We seldom allow ourselves to settle and savor our successes—always reaching for the next big thing. We are so used to the dangling carrot in front of our noses that we don’t expect to eat it anymore. Some might say that finding a moment of silence in the rat race is as likely as finding a unicorn tap-dancing in Times Square.

Many people who come to me for coaching feel trapped in an endless loop of goal-setting, tail-chasing, going in circles and getting nowhere. In the system’s never-ending circus, the show must go on.

But let’s not forget, we’re not emotionless robots. We’re human beings with the power to step away from the mayhem, not just due to exhaustion but by choice. Pausing allows us to reflect and realign our actions towards what matters most—the delightful shades of joy and happiness.

Here is my Joyful Tips Extravaganza to sprinkle some joy into your busy bee life, whether you’re an entrepreneur, an executive or an employee aspiring for a promotion.

1. Manage your energy, not your time.

Time is a finite resource. Let’s face it: We cannot magically create extra hours like wizards. Energy is a different game. Instead of obsessing over time management, focus on managing your energy. Being fully present and connected to your experiences can prevent quick depletion. Nutrition, movement and sleep—that’s the magical trinity to make you feel like Wonder Woman or Superman, ready to conquer the day!

2. Don’t fight the status quo, embrace it.

Stress can arise from rigid expectations of how things should be. Find joy by accepting reality, changing what you can and focusing on your inner growth rather than obsessing over uncontrollable factors.

3. Connect consciously.

To be in a state of enjoyment is to be connected within yourself and with the world in a conscious way, and mindfully recognizing what is without judgment. This sits in conflict with being on autopilot or constant production mode. That’s not to say that you can’t get into a beautiful flow with work that you love. It’s all about the energy behind it.

Are you engrossed in a sense of ascension when you tap into your skills and creativity, or are you stressed and obsessed with meeting a deadline? Are you unaware of what you’re doing because you’ve tapped into an inner state of flow, or have you signed out due to boredom or detachment? Engage in daily practices such as meditation, journaling and self-check-ins to stay connected with yourself.

4. Decide to be happy.

Voltaire’s famous quote, “I’ve decided to be happy because it’s good for my health,” points to our ability to choose happiness. Joy isn’t an elusive treasure at the end of a rainbow. You don’t have to be the office’s hardest-working elf to deserve joy! Happiness is an active choice that you can make every single day.

5. Focus on the unexpected.

Another reason why joy is often squeezed out of everyday experiences is that many of us are stuck in routines. To what degree does the predictability of your every day provide stability and mental peace? If life feels like a never-ending rerun of Groundhog Day, it’s time to spice it up.

Break free from monotonous routines and look for the delightful surprises life has to offer. Seek out the magical and unique aspects of each day to avoid feeling trapped in the mundane.

6. Capture joyful moments.

At the end of your busy day, replay the joyful moments in your mind like a movie reel, write them down in a journal or stick post-its in a happy memory box. Now you have your very own Joy Museum, open 24/7, ready to boost your joy whenever needed!

In a world focused on handling the overall mental health crisis, prioritizing joy might seem like a fancy luxury. But trust me, joy can be your secret weapon to lasting success and endurance in this crazy roller coaster of life. Embrace joy like a dear old friend, and let it sprinkle some magic into every aspect of your busy bee life!

Photo by Gabriela Cheloni

Original post-Forbes

By Heidi Hauer is a coach for corporate leaders and changemakers who aim to lead with impact, live their purpose, and upgrade their wellbeing. Read Heidi Hauer’s full executive profile here.

As I approach the end of a teaching career that stretches from the late 1970s into the 2020s, I am struck by a noticeable change in my students. Why, I ask myself, does this generation seem to be more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, trauma and depression? Why do they appear to require greater access to therapy and to accommodations that go beyond extended exam time?

I ask myself, are my impressions illusory or are my students unhappier and more psychologically fragile than their predecessors? If this is indeed the case, why?

Even though much of my scholarship is on the history of childhood and youth, I don’t claim to have well-thought-out, evidence-based answers to these questions. I couldn’t tell you whether what I and others see is a short-term consequence of the pandemic or the Great Recession or reflects certain long-term trends in parenting, family instability, schooling, media consumption or cultural values.

So, I asked our modern-day oracle, ChatGPT and here’s what it told me:

That certainly strikes me as true.

The text generator then went on. It said that indeed, “some studies have suggested that rates of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression have been increasing among young adults in recent years.” It then offered several potential explanations.

• Increased awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues, which may encourage more individuals to seek help and receive a diagnosis.
• Increased stressors such as academic pressure, social media use and economic uncertainty, which may contribute to the development of mental health issues.
• Changes in parenting and cultural norms, such as a greater emphasis on protecting children from discomfort and failure, which may lead to decreased resilience and coping skills.
• Changes in college culture, such as a greater focus on achievement and a decline in supportive social structures like fraternities and sororities, which may contribute to increased stress and isolation.

ChatGPT concluded with some good advice. It noted “that there is significant individual variation in mental health and resilience,” that “not all college students experience psychological distress,” and that it would be a mistake to assume “that all young adults are inherently fragile or over-sensitive.” It then recommended that I respond to my students with compassion and “evidence-based interventions.”

As a historian, I study change over time, and I, like most historians, view claims of progress with skepticism. It’s not that I, like other historians, fail to appreciate the many measurable ways that life has gotten better. The increase in life expectancy; the declining proportion of the world’s population living in extreme poverty; the improvements in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of many diseases and medical conditions; and advances in technology and scientific and humanistic knowledge are, indeed, examples of progress.

And yet, like most historians, I take it for granted that advances inevitably come at a price and that progress invariably involves trade-offs. Notice how much of our vaunted progress has resulted in environmental degradation, increasing social inequality and cultural homogenization.

In my own scholarship on childhood and youth, I argue that today’s young Americans are better off than their forebears in every way except those that matter most. Today’s young graduate from high school and college at much higher rates. They smoke less, drink less and are less likely to use illicit drugs. Teen pregnancy rates have also fallen sharply. But by most measures, they are also less happy and less confident about the future.

Growing up, at its best, is an odyssey of self-discovery, a developmental process that involves risk-taking, exploration, increasing responsibilities and competence, and regular social interaction with siblings, peers, kin and nonkin. However, in the interest of child protection, the young do have fewer opportunities for free, unstructured, unsupervised play and exploration. As a result of “the discovery of risk,” young lives are monitored more closely. An increasing share of their interactions are technologically mediated, and kids’ culture has been colonized by commercial culture, marketers and influencers of various sorts.

Don’t get me wrong: young lives are better in countless ways. I grew up in a culture with strong and inflexible expectations about normality, femininity and masculinity that had all kinds of negative effects. But there is also reason to believe that the actual incidence of anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders (involving distractibility and impulsivity), developmental disorders (that impede communication and social interaction), and various symptoms of psychological distress has increased. Although these trends may be a product of greater visibility, attention and diagnosis, a shift in labels or the paradox of progress (that fewer children with disabilities die young), most experts that I have consulted believe that the prevalence of these disorders has in fact risen.

Let’s, then, cut to the chase. What does that mean for colleges?

It seems to me that colleges need to do a better job of tackling two crucial challenges. The first, and the most obvious, is to better address students’ mental health challenges and better support their psychological well-being. The second is to better prepare them for adulthood.

I am of the view that these two challenges are, in fact, interconnected.

Adulthood, you may have noticed, has lost its allure. No one says life begins at 40—at least not without irony.

I’m old enough to remember a very different conception of adulthood. It was a movie-made fantasy, to be sure, but who wouldn’t want to be sophisticated, urbane, worldly and debonair like Cary Grant or Sean Connery or witty, mature, stylish and tantalizing like Bette Davis or Barbara Stanwyck? I knew of no one who, as a teenager, wasn’t desperate to get out and grow up, even if their vision of adulthood wasn’t their parents’.

I think it’s fair to say that many college students today associate adulthood with being trapped in a rut. My students are convinced that the mass of adults (to use Thoreau’s phrase) lead lives of quiet desperation. They look around and see adults who are stressed and work-absorbed, whose relationships are unstable, who are even more anxious and depressed than they are.

Their view of adulthood is much like John Updike’s: it’s a life stage filled with regret, disappointment, workplace discontent, spousal estrangement, alienation from children and a pervasive sense of malaise.

We certainly need to increase access to mental health services: to clinics, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and psychiatric care. We also need to reduce stigma and encourage more students to seek support. Wellness programs, including yoga and meditation, and peer mentors and peer support groups can also help. Flexible accommodations for students experiencing mental health challenges are certainly warranted.

But those steps aren’t enough. Because our institutions will never be able to meet the demand for professional counseling, we need to enhance other forms of support and guidance.

In addition to addressing the systemic issues that students struggle with—including financial stress, social isolation and excessive academic pressure—we need to reassert the importance of mentoring. That will require colleges and universities to:

• Institutionalize mentoring by establishing learning communities, specialized support centers (for example, for veterans, transfer students or first-generation college students), undergraduate research teams and thematic interest groups (for example, in the arts, business, computer science, health care, humanities and the life, physical and social sciences) with a dedicated faculty or staff mentor and expanding access to mentored research and internship opportunities.
• Foster a culture of mentorship by promoting the value of mentoring, encouraging students, faculty and staff to engage in mentoring relationships and providing training for mentors in active listening and providing constructive advice.
• Support informal mentoring outside the classroom or office hours through faculty-student lunches, coffee breaks and social events with prospective and current majors.

We also need to do a better job of helping students acquire adult skills. Here are some steps that campuses can take:

• Better integrate the co-curricular and extracurricular activities into the undergraduate experience.  It is through these experiences that students acquire the literacies and leadership skills—including the communication and team management skills and the strategic thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills—that will prepare them for career success after college.
• Offer life skills workshops. These might include workshops in etiquette, self-care (maintaining physical and mental health, managing stress and cultivating resilience), financial management, interpersonal and professional communication, career development, romantic and interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics and emotional intelligence—that is, awareness and management of one’s emotions and the development of empathy and cognizance of other people’s feelings.
• Introduce formal classes that deal with adulthood, including its challenges and joys.

It’s tougher today to become or to be an adult than it was a half century ago. The earlier rule book that defined adulthood has frayed, and no longer does adulthood have well-defined script. It’s up to individuals to chart their life trajectory and to give it meaning and coherence.

No wonder college students are anxious.

Adulthood has become less predictable. But this has made adult life potentially more fulfilling.

We need to do a better job of preparing young people to take advantage of the freedom that adults enjoy. We need to do much more to help them shape their lives in ways that reflect their dreams and desires.

That responsibility is upon us.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

By Steven Mintz a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin

Having such a heart connection is critical for balance, wellness and stability, as we have learned the last few years. If we aren’t aware nor capable of having some kind moments to connect with the heart, the non-profit www.heartmath.org can help. To learn just why breathing, slowing down with Yin Yoga, getting a relaxing massage, praying, meditation, going for a soul walk, or being with your pet to offer valuable ways to come back home to your heart. All to keep stress and the hormone cortisol from wreaking havoc as women’s stress is at its highest!

Finding quiet moments, or crazy ones in your day, to do a powerful breathing technique taught to the Navy Seals, Box Breathing can nourish your mind and offer a space of calm (https://www.medicinenet.com/why_do_navy_seals_use_box_breathing/article.htm). The past few years I have taught this to business groups and clients on my massage table, to have a tool that is always with you. Whether driving, on Zoom, in an argument, or helping to fall asleep, your breath is your best friend, and the closest! To see and experience Box Breathing and my signature Stim Vn, click here:

In Dr. Peter Attia’s book Outlive, the Science and Art of Longevity  https://peterattiamd.com/outlive/ this medical researcher focuses on lessening the onset of disease, by increasing “lifespan” while improving your “healthspan”, or quality of life. Why this is matters to pay attention to is because research reveals the fastest growing heart disease death rate is found in middle aged women from 45-64!

Finding your tool box for contentment and peace is possible so you do not become one of these statistics. Since many chronic diseases and CVD is lifestyle driven, there is hope in choosing to find solace in your own wellness longevity plan. Here is a start, to KISS, keep it simple, silly:

• K indness – be loving and kind to yourself daily, and to others
• I nvestigate – find holistic wellness choices that nourish you
• S low Down – pause to breathe, be present and connect with others
• S how Gratitude – the flip side of anger/anxiety/upset

Photo by Oleksandr Canary Islands

By Linda Penkala, Author, LMT