Are You Listening to Your Stress? How Self-Awareness Can Improve Your Workplace Communication

We often think of stress as something to push through or just endure. But what if stress is actually trying to tell us something important? In the hustle of deadlines, meetings, and endless to dos, it’s easy to miss these messages. That’s where self awareness becomes a powerful tool, not just for managing stress but for transforming how we communicate at work and beyond.

When we tune into what stress is really signalling, we open the door to clearer, more compassionate conversations with ourselves and others. In this post, we’ll explore how curiosity and openness deepen our connection to stress and improve workplace communication, making stress less of a silent saboteur and more of a guide.

Understanding Stress as a Messenger

Stress isn’t just a reaction to external pressures; it’s a message from our body and mind, signalling when something needs our attention. But in busy workplaces, we often ignore or suppress these signals, pushing ourselves and others to “just keep going.” This can lead to miscommunication, burnout, and fractured relationships.

Self awareness helps us recognise these internal messages early. By tuning into our emotions, physical sensations, and thought patterns, we begin to see how stress affects not just our mood but also the way we interact with others. For example, when we’re overwhelmed, we might snap at a colleague or shut down during a meeting, without realising it.

Cultivating self awareness gives us the power to pause and choose a different response. It’s the foundation for clear, compassionate communication.

Openness and Curiosity: The Communication Game Changers

Once we’ve developed self awareness, the next step is bringing openness and curiosity into our conversations; with ourselves and with others. These qualities invite us to explore rather than judge, to listen rather than react.

In the workplace, this might look like asking a team member how they’re really doing, and genuinely wanting to hear the answer. Or noticing our own knee jerk reactions and instead wondering, “What’s really going on here?”

Curiosity helps us uncover hidden stressors and unspoken feelings that might otherwise sabotage collaboration and wellbeing. It shifts conversations from blame or defensiveness to understanding and connection.

When leaders model openness, it sets a tone for the entire team, creating space for honest dialogue and mutual support. And this kind of communication doesn’t just ease stress; it builds resilience.

Putting Openness and Curiosity into Practice

Here are a few simple ways to bring more openness and curiosity into your daily communication:

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of “Are you okay?” try “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How are you really feeling about this project?” These questions invite deeper reflection and sharing.

• Practice Active Listening: Give your full attention without interrupting or planning your response. Reflect back what you hear; “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.” This shows you’re truly listening and valuing their experience.

• Notice Your Reactions: When you feel defensive or impatient, pause and ask yourself, “What’s behind this feeling?” This self curiosity can help you respond more thoughtfully.

• Share Your Own Experience: Modelling openness can encourage others to do the same. For example, “I’ve been feeling a bit stretched thin lately, how about you?”

By incorporating these practices, you create a culture where stress isn’t hidden but acknowledged and addressed; leading to healthier, more connected teams.

Listening to Stress, Leading with Communication

Stress doesn’t have to be a silent saboteur in your workplace or your life. When we learn to listen to ourselves and to others with self awareness, openness, and curiosity; stress becomes a powerful signal, guiding us toward healthier communication and stronger connections.

Today, I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself: What is my stress trying to tell me? And, How can I bring more curiosity into my conversations?

Small shifts in how we communicate can ripple out, transforming not only our own wellbeing but the culture around us. Clear, compassionate communication is more than a skill, it’s a cure.