Workers looking to lower their stress levels might want to try a counterintuitive approach: get a promotion.
A new study by researchers at Stanford University and Harvard University has found that people in leadership positions report lower levels of stress. These respondents also had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies, so leaders didn't just feel less stressed; they were.
Additionally, people in leadership positions felt like they had more control over their own lives, which makes sense, since leaders have more freedom to do as they want, especially in a work environment.
In fact, the feelings of control might be the cause of lower stress levels, as previous studies have associated high stress levels with loss of control.
Not only did leaders experience less stress than non-leaders, but they also experienced less stress than other leaders who ranked lower than them, or who were in lower-level leadership positions, even if they weren't in the same organization.
So the benefits of leadership are incremental. That means someone who is looking to lower their stress levels can see a boost from even just a small increase in their leadership role.
As mentioned earlier, that might mean a promotion, or it might involve taking on more responsibility or acting a s a mentor to a coworker or acquaintance.
Leadership position was determined by the number of people an individual managed. However, another factor contributing to a high leadership score was the ability to get other people to listen.
Improving interpersonal communication can increase feelings of control, and perhaps lower those stress levels.
The researchers also pointed out that individuals who are able to manage stress better might be more likely to be promoted or be able to convince others to listen to them, so the key to getting ahead might be to calm down first.
Just make sure not to take one of these jobs.
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