A Harvard study says people who use AI are less stressed. I believe it and I’ve felt it. The work gets lighter, you move faster, and you’re not staring at a blank screen as often.
But I also think we have to be careful. That relief might be temporary. History shows that when we gain new capabilities, we raise the bar. We don’t just enjoy the space, we fill it. And often, we don’t even realize we’re doing it.
That’s something I’m trying to stay aware of and actively manage.
I use AI not just in my work, but in my life. I’ve used it to plan family vacation adventures, help my daughter evaluate colleges, choose the best board games for teens, and more. I listen to AI podcasts while driving, running on the treadmill, or putting on make-up. It’s how I multi-task life.
Managing stress is important to me. I’ve set up my workspace outdoors this summer: walking pad, laptop on a stand, and my fur babies and a couple hummingbirds always close by. If needed, I listen to the fountain and take a little power nap in the hammock. Being surrounded by nature is making a real difference in both stress and creativity. (Photo below.)
Research backs this up:
50% creativity boost – Just 4 days in nature increases creative problem-solving by 50%. Even brief walks produce twice as many creative ideas as sitting.
60% more ideas – 81% of people who walked came up with 60% more creative ideas than those who sat. The benefits continued even after they stopped.
Less stress, sharper thinking – Nature exposure measurably reduces stress hormones and blood pressure while improving focus and mood. The perfect setup for both creativity and productivity.
Even if you can’t work outside, studies show that simply standing while working and adding plants to your workspace can provide similar benefits.
I enjoy using the extra time AI gives me for strategic thinking and introspection. I like exploring new angles, getting to the deeper meaning, and finding clearer, simpler ways to express complex ideas. And I enjoy doing that even more with AI. It’s not just me and my jumbled thoughts anymore.
But I’m mindful of the balance. Because if I’m not, it’s easy to let expectations quietly creep up. To do more because I can. To let stress sneak back in disguise.
So I’m trying to use the time to think better, not just work faster. That feels more useful right now. How are you managing this new way of working with AI? Share your ideas so we can help each other.
Link to Ethan Mollick’s article about the Harvard study is in the comments for those curious, https://lnkd.in/gWHBJQ4W
Ethan Mollick’s article about the Harvard study that shows
People using AI reported significantly higher levels of positive emotions (excitement, energy, and enthusiasm) compared to those working without AI.