Much of our mental health at work boils down to stress. In low-stress environments, we’re more likely to experience good mental health. On the other hand, when we experience a lot of stress, we have a higher risk of depression, physical symptoms, and burnout. 

One important way to manage stress is to work at the right speed. How often do you take time to slow down? It seems counterintuitive, but the slow route often provides the best outcome. 

When Fast Is Slow 

You’ve probably experienced the pressure of a looming deadline. Depending on your line of work, you may face deadlines all the time. When too much work piles up, you experience stress, and when you experience stress, you probably rush to get the work done. 

However, the more rushed your work becomes, the more likely you are to make mistakes. In some cases, correcting those mistakes takes more time than the initial project. The added work creates even more stress, leaving you in a vicious cycle. 

Plus, too much urgency causes burnout, a condition that depletes energy. If you do experience burnout, you’ll likely work slowly due to exhaustion rather than thoroughness. 

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