We’ve all heard it before—mindfulness is the go-to strategy for managing stress, isn’t it? But new research from North Carolina State University suggests that hope might actually be a more powerful tool, especially during tough times at work. This doesn’t surprise me, as Hope Theory is an important area of Positive Psychology research.

Mindfulness is all about staying present, paying attention without judgement, and focusing on the here and now. While it has its benefits, it might not always be the best approach when stress levels soar. Hope, on the other hand, is the ability to look to the future and create a plan to bring about positive change. It’s about optimism, looking ahead, and believing that better days are on the horizon. The study found that during severe stress, mindfulness can sometimes backfire. By focusing too much on a challenging present, people may inadvertently feel more overwhelmed.

To explore this dynamic, researchers studied professional musicians, a group significantly affected by the COVID pandemic. The aim was to see how hope and mindfulness influenced their well-being and attitudes towards work during such a difficult time. The results were surprising. Musicians who embraced hope reported feeling happier, more engaged, and less anxious about their careers. Mindfulness, while valuable, didn’t show a strong connection to happiness under these conditions. This suggests that while mindfulness is helpful in many situations, it may not provide enough support during periods of intense stress.

So, what’s the takeaway? Hope and mindfulness address stress in very different ways. Mindfulness helps us stay grounded in the present, which can be calming in manageable situations. But during truly difficult times, hope becomes essential. It offers a sense of purpose and a vision for a brighter future—something mindfulness alone can’t provide.

This insight doesn’t just apply to individuals. Businesses can also benefit from fostering a culture of optimism. Supporting employees through challenges isn’t just about encouraging mindfulness practices; it’s about inspiring hope. By helping employees maintain a forward-looking mindset, organisations can boost engagement, reduce stress, and promote resilience.

In the end, hope and mindfulness work best together. While mindfulness keeps us grounded in the here and now, hope gives us the motivation to push through and look ahead. For anyone navigating work stress or personal challenges, balancing these two approaches can make all the difference. After all, it’s hope that helps us see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.