William A. Frey currently works at UNC as an organization and professional development specialist and has been trained in a variety of stress management models.
His new book, “Ease into Freedom: Keys for Reducing Stress and Unlocking Your Potential,” includes 53 easy-to-do tips for handling stress mindfully and skillfully. He will be reading from his book at Bull’s Head Bookshop today. Staff writer Krupa Kaneria spoke to Frey about his stress tips, his time at UNC and his inspirations.
The Daily Tar Heel: How do you manage stress?
William A. Frey: I manage my stress by managing my time and my priorities, getting enough exercise and sleep, eating well and having good people around me. I do a daily sitting practice, which is different from meditation. A lot of time people think meditation means you have to empty your mind, but I just sit and I focus on my breath as a way of focusing my mind in a more mindful approach.
DTH: Why is it important to manage it?
WF: My stress management approach is from the employee’s perspective. Managing stress can lead to engagement in the workplace, satisfaction in the workplace and knowing what your biases and intentions are. Stress management lets you have a choice in what you do, as opposed to being on automatic pilot, and that choice, to me, is very important.
DTH: You have studied stress management since the 1970s. What got you started in that field of study? Why did you become interested in stress management?
WF: I felt very comfortable with the topic of stress management. I felt like it called me, and I picked up the call. I felt like I was talking to an old buddy. I was just feeling very comfortable with it and became very curious between the link of what we actually do and the science behind it.
