Did you know that accoring to a 2022 study, a staggering 36% of people in the UK were found to be unhappy in their jobs? Although the majority of people are content with their work, a significant portion of the population may be unintentionally decreasing their lifespan by sticking to the status quo.
There could be countless reasons why someone is unhappy at work - from a lack of fulfilment, to a terrible boss, or even an unsatisfactory salary or benefits. However, I've seen firsthand how individuals who have discovered their purpose have pushed through adversity and either pivoted their career or found joy in their current role.
Having a clear sense of purpose provides motivation, perspective and resilience that help us find fulfilment and satisfaction, even in the face of challenges. Remaining in a state of unhappiness without a clear purpose in life can lead to discontent, unease, and abnormally high stress levels.
"Man's search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life and not a 'secondary rationalisation' of instinctual drives. This meaning is unique and specific in that it must and can be fulfilled by him alone; only then does it achieve a significance which will satisfy his own will to meaning... When a person is not able to fulfil his or her life's purpose, or even if that purpose is not clear to them, it can lead to a sense of frustration and stress." - Viktor E. Frankl
Why is this important?
Research at Heidelberg University Hospital demonstrated the damaging effects of stress on the immune system by conducting a study on a young doctor. After being subjected to a stressful job interview involving complex math problems, his antibodies reacted to stress in the same way they would to harmful pathogens, which can cause a degenerative process that prematurely ages healthy cells. Similarly, a study at the University of California found that stress weakens cell structures known as telomeres, which can lead to cellular aging.
How does stress work?
Stress is a natural response to potentially dangerous or problematic information received by the body. The body's alarm triggers the production of hormones that release corticotropin, which circulates through the body via the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of adrenaline and cortisol. While these processes are useful in moderation, prolonged stress can have degenerative effects on neurons associated with memory, leading to depression and other secondary effects, such as irritability, insomnia, anxiety and high blood pressure.
What can I do about it?
In my previous post I wrote about the concept of Ikigai, here I would like to introduce Logotherapy.
Logotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on finding meaning and purpose in life, as a means to overcome stress and mental health challenges. Developed by Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, logotherapy posits that humans are driven by a need for meaning, and that this need can be fulfilled through finding and pursuing a purpose in life. By focusing on finding meaning in life, logotherapy offers a way to manage stress and anxiety, by shifting the focus from negative thoughts and emotions to a more positive and purposeful outlook. It also emphasises the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life, and making choices that align with one's values and goals, which can lead to a sense of fulfilment and happiness.
The concept of Ikigai aligns with logotherapy, as both focus on finding purpose and meaning in life, and can be useful tools in managing stress and improving mental health.
Practical steps to take:
Use the following 5 points to incorporate logotherapy and Ikigai in your daily life:
Find your purpose: Take time to reflect on your life and identify what activities give you a sense of purpose and meaning. These could be anything from volunteering, pursuing a hobby or passion, or helping others. Once you identify your purpose, incorporate it into your daily life.
Identify your values: Think about what values are important to you and how you can live them out in your daily life. For example, if one of your values is compassion, you can find ways to be kind to others in your everyday interactions.
Set achievable goals: Setting achievable goals that align with your purpose and values can help you stay motivated and on track. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and attainable.
Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Regular self-reflection can help you identify areas for personal growth and development, and help you stay true to your purpose and values.
Seek support: Building a strong support network can help you stay accountable and motivated. Surround yourself with people who share your values and can provide encouragement and guidance when needed. You can also consider seeking support from a coach or a councillor.
Conclusion
Unhappiness at work can negatively impact our mental and physical health, leading to stress and premature aging of our cells. However, we can overcome these challenges by finding purpose and meaning through logotherapy and the Japanese concept of Ikigai. By taking practical steps such as identifying our values, setting achievable goals, and building a support network, we can lead a more fulfilling life. It's crucial to prioritise our well-being, and by incorporating these tools into our daily routine, we can improve our quality of life.
In future posts I’ll explore the benefits of mindfulness for managing stress and finding purpose, how to build resilience in your daily life and I will share practical adjustments that you can implement to your daily routine to benefit your overall wellbeing.