Stress Check HOW TO COPE WITH ANXIETY DURING ECONOMIC DISRUPTIONS
F eeling overwhelmed and worried about your business’s — and the nation’s — economic future? You’re not alone. In early March 2025, Leger, a marketing research and polling firm, conducted an online survey of 1,548 Canadians over the age of 18 about their attitudes toward the U.S. economic trade aggression. Forty per cent of respondents, who are currently employed, indicated they were somewhat or very concerned about losing their job in the next 12 months. Forty-six per cent said they’re living paycheque to paycheque. And 52 per cent of respondents believe that Canada is currently in an economic recession. With this somewhat bleak outlook, business owners with employees might feel an additional responsibility for providing livelihoods for their staff. This precarious situation can negatively impact mental health, for both owners and employees. Landscape Trades asked Kristy Cork, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) specialized consultant for healthy workplaces, to share some ideas for saving one’s sanity during stressful times. Cork is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional, and a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor. She continues to advance her education, pursuing a degree in Psychology through Athabasca University.
LT: The details around the trade war seem to change every day, and major world events are unfolding at the same time. Individuals may feel they have to stay on top of the news and worry they'll miss important updates. It's easy to get sucked into doomscrolling. How can someone break this habit and disengage without feeling like they're missing out on crucial information? Cork: Be aware of where you are getting your information from and try to stay away from only consuming “opinion-based” news. While most media does have a political slant, some news agencies are more reliable and trustworthy. Also, avoid the comments section. It often isn’t the news itself that can cause us distress, but other peoples interpretation and fear-invoking representation of the content that leaves us rattled. I decide to spend 15 minutes every morning checking the website of a reputable news site to get important updates so I feel informed without over-consuming and going down rabbit holes.
26 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker