Work in Progress

Dr. Rachael Cronin: How to Manage Stress and Elevate Your Productivity Levels | Work in Progress #28

Workplace stress is a common problem that practically everyone experiences, at some point in their lives. But did you know that you can easily and efficiently manage it through common mindfulness practices? This episode will explore how.

Meet Dr. Rachael Cronin

Dr. Rachael Cronin is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at La Trobe University. She has recently completed her Ph.D. on mindfulness-based interventions for stress. Her research interests investigate the relationship between stress and health, mental health, and well-being. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on these subjects.

About the episode

The episode started with Dr. Rachael’s definition of personal productivity as a web of goals and systems. She discussed that it’s mostly a day-to-day activity, rather than an overarching thing.

She believed that most people tend to overload themselves with daily tasks without considering relaxation when rest itself unlocks productivity. Humans also tend to be biased towards the negative, resulting in a lack of awareness of personal productivity.

Dr. Rachael revealed her definition of stress management as two parts: identifying the stressor and its effects, and determining the resources you have to deal with that.

The discussion then turned to the role of self-awareness in recognizing areas of improvement for stress management. Dr. Rachael talked about the role of self-awareness in stressful situations and reflection in non-stressful situations for cultivating healthy stress management mechanisms. Stress plays a role in daily life, although misconceptions surround it.

The conversation then evolved into stress management and productivity hacks to deal with stress. Dr. Rachael discussed active mindfulness, such as mindful walking, journaling, practicing gratitude, and the Pomodoro Technique for productivity. She emphasized the importance of trial and error in finding the perfect productivity system for you.

Dr. Rachael revealed her approach to productivity and stress management: physical exercise. She shared that it gave her a healthier view of failure, allowed her to socialize, and kept her healthy. Lastly, she reveals the importance of positive affirmations for your daily life.

In conclusion

Productivity and workplace stress are intricately linked. Often, chasing after productivity leads to this downfall, but mindful practices can stop you from going down this wrong path. This episode provides clear and scientific guidelines for using mindfulness to manage stress and elevate productivity in your daily life.

Be the first to see our next episode. Follow us on social media to stay updated:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon

iHeart Radio

Podbean

PlayerFM

Podchaser

Google Podcast

James Presbitero

Recent Posts

Overcoming Learned Helplessness During Political Instability and Economic Hardship

News from social media, TV, or printed media is a great way to keep up…

1 day ago

The Power of “Yes, And”: Cultivating Self-Compassion for a More Balanced Life

Many people get stuck in a cycle of constant self-criticism. They believe pushing themselves with…

3 days ago

How Minimalism Informs Functional Living Spaces for People With OCD

Everyone deserves a comfortable home environment, and those with mental health conditions shouldn’t be exempted.…

4 days ago

The Ultimate Guide to a More Sustainable Living Space

In today’s fast-paced world, houses get cluttered just as fast, causing greater stress and disorganization.…

1 week ago

Addressing Barriers to Effective Partner Support in Prenatal Care

Are you an expectant father anticipating your unborn child? It's such an exciting time, but…

1 week ago

Are You Ready for Marriage? A Complete Guide to Marriage Readiness

What’s the first thing on your mind when you think about marriage? Is it to…

1 week ago