In fast-paced workplaces, stress often shows up in the small in-between moments; a packed inbox, an unexpected request, a deadline that moved from next week to today.
When tension rises, it’s easy to react from urgency rather than intention. That’s where your values come in. Values act like an internal compass, bringing clarity when everything else feels noisy.
Why Values Matter When You’re Stressed
Values are the qualities and principles that guide how you want to show up at work, in relationships, and within yourself. When stress pulls you off-center, reconnecting with your values brings you back to a place of stability and choice.
When stress spikes, you might notice:
- Decisions feel rushed
- Communication gets shorter
- You’re doing things “just to get them done”
- You lose sight of what actually matters to you and/or the organization
Aligning actions with your values reduces that friction. It brings purpose back into the moment, even when the day is demanding.
A Simple Way to Re-Center Using Your Values
- When you feel overwhelmed, pause and ask:
- Which of my values can guide my next step?
Maybe it’s compassion, leading you to respond with patience. Maybe it’s integrity, helping you be honest about needing more time. Maybe it’s excellence, prompting you to take a
breath before rushing ahead.
Try this quick values reset:
- Identify your top three values.
- Keep them visible — on a sticky note, screensaver, or planner.
- When stress hits, choose one to anchor your next action.
A thought to ponder:
- When stress pulls you off track, what value reliably brings you back your grounded center?
If you’d like support brining values-based stress tools to your team or organization, reach out to Lakeland Care Plus Consulting for more information. We are here for you!