How automotive professionals can manage stress and live healthier lives

On the latest edition of Straight Talk, host David Lewis, President of David Lewis and Associates, tackles the topic of stress and how it impacts the mental health of automotive professionals. Dealers and their teams face many levels of stress, in both personal and professional aspects of their lives. Stress can be very harmful if it isn’t managed properly.

Lewis begins his session by discussing the dangers associated with stress and how it impacts automotive professionals in both their personal and professional lives. Too much stress can lead to heart disease, depression, mental anxiety, and many other illnesses that can hinder someone’s effectiveness in daily life and the workplace. Many physical signs of stress include aches, pains, fatigue, and headaches. 

Lewis says that individuals dealing with stress can manage it by having good eating habits. People working in the automotive industry often eat unhealthy foods such as soft drinks, donuts, sweets, unhealthy snacks, and excessive coffee. A balanced diet including fruits and vegetables can make a significant difference in the level of stress an individual might experience. Tobacco and alcohol are also causes of stress. 50% of deaths from lung-related illnesses are attributed to nicotine product use.

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to defend against stress. Methods as simple as a 15-minute walk can make a tremendous impact on the amount of stress one might experience. Automotive professionals are encouraged to pay close attention to their schedules to make sure they are making adequate time to exercise and rest. Fatigue from lack of sleep can increase stress levels dramatically. Individuals need plenty of sleep to stay alert and ready to meet their daily challenges.

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