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Amy Leneker, a renowned leadership expert and author of the book Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress, recently sat down with Gayle Guyardo on the internationally acclaimed health and wellness program, Bloom. The focus of their discussion was the critical importance of finding joy in the workplace, emphasizing that it is not merely a luxury but a necessity.
As burnout rates soar and stress becomes a pervasive issue across various sectors, Leneker advocates for incorporating joy into everyday work routines as a transformative tool for both personal and professional success. “Joy isn’t just a nice-to-have,” Leneker insists. “It’s essential fuel that drives performance, fosters connections, and enhances overall well-being.”
During her appearance, Leneker shared some of her most profound insights on managing stress and cultivating joy at work. A key takeaway was her introduction of the Un-Stressing Method, a straightforward and quick technique aimed at disrupting the often unnoticed accumulation of stress throughout the day.
The Un-Stressing Method: How to Stop Stress in Its Tracks
This method is designed to equip individuals with the ability to:
It’s designed to help you:
- Recognize the moment your stress response is kicking in
- Pause before reacting
- Reset your nervous system so you respond instead of explode
This mini-toolkit can be used anytime — between meetings, before a difficult conversation, or even when your email inbox feels like too much.
Why Joy Is More Than a Feel-Good Idea
According to Leneker, joy at work is smart business strategy.
People who feel joyful:
- Communicate more clearly
- Solve problems more creatively
- Build stronger relationships
- Show up more consistently
- Burn out far less
Simply put, joy leads to better work — and better workplaces.
The ABC of Joy: A Simple Daily Framework
Leneker breaks down joy into three accessible steps:
A – Awareness:
Notice how you’re feeling. What’s draining you? What’s lifting you?
B – Breathe:
Use intentional breathing to regulate stress and reset your focus.
C – Connection:
Reach out. Collaborate. Build meaningful interactions. Joy grows through people.
The 5 Types of Stress — and How to Protect Your Joy
Leneker also outlines the five different types of stress that can quietly rob you of joy. By learning to identify them early, you can take action before they pile up.
While each type affects us differently, the key message is universal:
You can’t eliminate stress, but you can prevent it from running your life.
If you’re looking for ways to feel lighter, more grounded, and more fulfilled at work, Leneker’s strategies offer practical tools you can put into practice immediately — one breath, one moment of awareness, and one intentional connection at a time.