A recent study reveals that hope may be more effective than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and stay engaged at work during prolonged periods of pressure. The research highlights the importance of looking ahead, rather than simply living “in the moment,” when facing difficult times.
Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment with an open, curious, and non-judgmental attitude. It’s about being fully engaged in the here and now. However, this approach can present challenges during stressful periods.
“There’s a lot of discussion about the benefits of mindfulness, but it poses two challenges when you’re under stress,” explains Tom Zagenczyk, co-author of the study and a professor of management at North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management. “First, it’s difficult to remain mindful when you’re stressed. Second, during truly tough times, you might not want to focus too much on the negative experiences you’re enduring.”
The study explored how hope, which is inherently forward-looking, compares to mindfulness in terms of its impact on well-being and professional attitudes during stressful periods.
Using statistical methods, the researchers examined the relationships between hope, mindfulness, and outcomes related to personal well-being and work attitudes.
“Our findings show that hope was linked to greater happiness, while mindfulness was not,” says Kristin Scott, co-author of the study and a professor of management at Clemson University. “When people are hopeful and happy, they experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less professional tension.”
“Mindfulness has its benefits – living in the moment can be valuable,” adds Sharon Sheridan, another co-author and assistant professor of management at Clemson. “But it’s crucial to maintain a hopeful outlook, especially during prolonged stress. People should combine mindfulness with hope, keeping in mind that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Although the study focused on musicians in a high-stress environment, the researchers believe the findings are applicable across various industries.
“During periods of high job stress, it’s vital to stay hopeful and forward-looking,” says Emily Ferrise, study co-author and a Ph.D. student at Clemson. “Organizations should consider fostering hope and forward-thinking within their corporate culture through job conditions, communication, and other initiatives.”
Zagenczyk concludes, “Every industry faces periods of high stress, and it’s in every company’s interest to ensure their employees are happy and engaged in their work.”
Source: Science Daily