In business, a ‘Board of Directors’ provides guidance and perspective. In life, a clinical psychologist suggests you build a personal board—composed of family and trusted friends—to whom you can report your stresses. Sharing your professional burdens is not a weakness; it’s a power move for managing your physiological well-being.
The modern corporate environment often fosters an attitude of stoicism, where admitting stress is seen as a sign of incompetence. This forces many to internalize their anxieties, which is incredibly damaging. This bottled-up stress becomes a chronic physiological state, leading to health problems that ultimately hinder performance.
When you share your stressors with your personal “board,” you engage in a process of externalization. The simple act of putting your worries into words can diminish their power. Being heard and validated by people who care about you provides comfort and can calm your body’s stress response.
The key, according to the expert, is that this board’s role is not to solve your work problems but to support you emotionally. This practice provides a crucial release valve, preventing the pressure from building up to explosive levels. It is a strategic act of self-management that, when combined with on-the-job coping skills, makes you a more resilient and effective professional.