Let’s Talk About It

I STRUGGLE WITH anxiety. I see a therapist twice a month to work through some OCD tendencies, perfectionism, and catastrophic thinking.

I know I’m not alone when it comes to dealing with worry, unease, and apprehension. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 31 percent of US adults experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.

According to a recent Brain Squad survey, 33 percent of Big Picture respondents report feeling severely anxious a few times a year.

So why don’t we talk about it more – especially in business? Your role as leader of a company can be extremely taxing, and how you manage anxiety and stress can make a big difference. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and National Anxiety Month, our Big Story shares 30 ways for you to stay in control during times of anxiety and stress, from listening to music to understanding your triggers, journaling your concerns, and practicing mindfulness.

Taking walks on the beach, going for a run, attending a yoga or Pilates class, cuddling with my cat, talking to someone I trust, eliminating caffeine from my diet (three years and counting!), and putting my phone away are ways I cope.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent Brain Squad survey and provided your thoughts publicly or anonymously. I hope the article helps you in times of need. I also hope you share it with your employees who also may be looking for ways to overcome anxiety in the workspace.

Smart Tips From This Issue

If you’re a small business, use your size as a selling feature to other small businesses. (Special Feature)
Begin working on your succession plan three to four years before your planned exit date. (Brain Squad)
Set 90-day goals vs. annual goals. (Big Business)
Find balance between being a boss and friend. (Big Business)

Adrienne Palmer

Adrienne Palmer is the editor-in-chief of Big Picture and Screen Printing magazines. She joined Big Picture magazine in 2012 after graduating from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a BA in magazine journalism. During her time with Big Picture, she has held the roles of assistant editor, associate editor, and managing editor; she added sister publication Screen Printing magazine to her resume in 2019. She is a 2019 Folio: Top Woman in Media; spearheads Big Picture's annual Women in Wide Format Awards and Best of Wide Format Awards as well as Screen Printing's annual Women in Screen Printing Awards; is on the board of Printing United Alliance's Women in Print Alliance and the U.N.I.T.E. Together diversity and inclusion program; hosts the Screen Saver podcast; and represents the Big Picture and Screen Printing teams at numerous industry events year-round as a speaker, moderator, and panelist.