Managing stress

For us to adapt and withstand adversity, we must experience times of stress so that we can learn how to manage and move forward. Let me explain.

Biosphere 2, a research facility in Arizona, was created in the 1980s to replicate our planet for scientists to study Earth’s ecosystems. Biosphere 2 consisted of seven biomes that hosted a total of 3,000 species of plants and animals. It was constructed with “perfect conditions” for life to grow. The trees inside the biosphere grew rapidly, faster than in the wild; however, the scientists found that the trees never reached maturity. Instead, the trees would collapse.

The scientists discovered that with the lack of wind in biosphere 2, the trees had not formed “stress wood” as they do in the wild, causing them to collapse. The presence of wind forces trees to develop stress wood so that they can withstand the wind, and their weight, to continue growing and survive. Without stress wood, a tree can grow quickly, but it will be weaker and eventually be unable to support itself.

A tree’s need for stress in order to survive is similar to that of humans. Life is full of stress, and it’s not always avoidable, but these times of stress and challenges provide us with continual opportunities to grow. Learning ways to manage stress is what can help us to create resilience, our own form of stress wood, ensuring that we have the strength to withstand the stress in our lives and thrive.

Neoskill’s “Developing your Stress Management” course can equip your team with these necessary skills to manage stress. If your workplace would benefit from our training and you would like to find out more, please contact us.

For more information on Biosphere 2, click here.