Stress impacts us all. We know that a stressed individual struggles. Learning and openness effectively shut down.

Instead, their focus shifts to either memories of the past or imaginings of the future. Both serve to hijack your presence in the present. And it shows on their face.

Stress causes the release of cortisol. And it leaks out of your very pores. And when it leaks it will be caught by others around you even if you think you have controlled the visible signs –

from leaders to their team,

from teachers to their learners.

You can’t hide it. It emits from your body. Whether you are worried about budgets, results, bullying (or perceived bullying), your future, the inspectors, governors. Leaders are the ones most at risk.

There is no veil you can wear.

Stress passes on and creates a ripple effect: more stress, higher cortisol levels and a collectively strained environment.

The contagious nature of stress is rooted in evolutionary biology. Cortisol is a fear response designed for your very survival. It overrides brain function and allows us to prepare for flight-or-fight response. So, there is little or nothing we can do about it once it is out.

Plan for Joyfulness

While we can’t always control stress, we can counteract it by intentionally cultivating joy. Like stress, joy is overpowering and contagious, but its effects are the opposite. It induces calm and openness: openness to ideas, learning and experience.

Joy is the perfect antidote to stress.

Here are some ways to invite joy into your life and the lives of those around you:

• Practice gratitude: Reflect on the positives in your life to shift your mindset.
• Look after yourself inside and out: Prioritise physical health, mental well-being, and rest.
• Help others: Acts of kindness create mutual upliftment.
• Engage in collective acts: Share meals, sing, pray, or meditate with others.
• Stay mindful: Focus on the present to reduce anxiety about the past or future.
• Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors everyday to recharge and find perspective.
• Celebrate often: Recognise small and big wins to boost morale.
• Stay positive: Look for the silver lining in challenges.
• Love deeply: Build meaningful connections and nurture them with care.