Stress: What’s It Costing You?

BySnowden McFall

Stress is Costing American Business Big Dollars and Costing You Your Mental Health

According to the American Psychological Association, workplace stress costs U.S. industry an estimated $300 billion annually in sick days, lost productivity, absenteeism and turnover. One third of study respondents miss 2 to 3 days a month because of a stressful work environment, and as many as 10% of US employees miss work several days a month due to stress. Nearly 80 to 90% of all doctors’ visits are stress-related (American Psychological Association).

For you personally, stress may be costing you in these ways:

The cost of stress

  • Illness and body aches and pains
  • Lost sleep, which is dangerous to your health
  • Declined performance, and others around you may find you difficult to work with
  • Eating the wrong foods
  • Smoking, drinking or other less than healthy habits
  • Less patience and more frustration
  • Less energy to do the things you want to do
  • Lowered overall well-being

Key Takeaways

  • Workplace stress carries a real, well documented cost to business, and a personal cost that shows up in sleep, health, patience and energy.
  • You do not need a program or a budget to start reducing stress today. Small, immediate actions work.
  • Movement, breath, connection, joy, and helping others are five of the fastest available levers, and each is backed by its own body of research.
  • Managing stress is a matter of choices and priorities, not willpower alone.

6 Ways to Reduce Stress Right Now

  1. Get up out of your seat. Sitting too long is a major health hazard. Walk around. Then drink a glass of water. Most of us (80% of North Americans) are dehydrated, which reduces your energy and can cause back pain and headaches. For more on this, see Stress and Energy Drains.
  2. Close your eyes and take three deep belly breaths. Picture a beautiful peaceful place and see yourself there. Spend a few minutes imagining it. Use this as a reference point in stressful situations. For a full breakdown of this technique, see The Astonishing Power of Breath.
  3. Ask yourself, “What would be fun for me this week?” What are some of your favorite activities or hobbies? Pick one and schedule it in for sometime this week, and don’t cancel it for any reason. Doing more of what you love makes you happier.
  4. Take a break from your devices tonight. No email, no surfing the net, no comparing yourself to others on social media. Let your mind have some technology-free down time. It’s amazing what creative ideas come to you when you stop all the distractions.
  5. Spend time with someone who brings you joy. An hour, an evening, a weekend. The more joy you can bring into your life, the happier you will be. Laugh together and your stress levels will go way down.
  6. Ask yourself, “Who can I help this week?” And then do it. Kindness benefits the giver as much, if not more, than the recipient. For more on this element of resilience, see Stress Management Strategies.

You can manage your stress and avoid being one of the statistics above. It’s all about choices and priorities. Take care of yourself first and focus on joy and laughter.

Wishing you peace.

Snowden

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If the cost of stress is showing up not just in your day but in your team’s performance, explore Prevent Burnout for Leaders or Leadership Resilience Coaching.

©2018, 2026 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. You may share this post and reprint with author reference and copyright.

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