Ever feel like stress and overwhelm are your constant companions?
That used to be me. Day in, day out.
But then, I stumbled upon Stoicism – an ancient philosophy that’s as practical today as it was centuries ago.
Through reading, practice, and a bit of trial and error, I’ve adopted seven Stoic practices that have made a world of difference.
They’ve shifted my perspective, reduced my stress levels, and made life feel a lot more manageable.
And you know what? They might just do the same for you.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embracing acceptance
The first Stoic practice that has made a significant difference in my life is the act of embracing acceptance.
Stoics firmly believe in accepting things as they are, not as we wish them to be. This might seem simple, or even defeatist, at first glance. But it’s far from that.
In the face of stress and overwhelm, we often expend energy fighting against circumstances we simply can’t change. This fight, this resistance, only amplifies our feelings of stress and frustration.
When I started to practice acceptance, I learned to separate what was within my control from what was not. I began to understand that the only things truly within my control are my own actions and reactions.
This doesn’t mean passivity or resignation; far from it. It means focusing on where I can make a difference, and letting go of the rest.
By accepting situations as they are and focusing only on what I can control, I’ve experienced a significant decrease in feelings of overwhelm and stress.
2) Practicing mindfulness
The second Stoic practice that’s been a game-changer for me is mindfulness.
If you’re thinking, “Wasn’t that a Buddhist thing?”, you’re right. But it’s also a Stoic thing.
Stoics are all about living in the present moment. They believe that by doing so, we can reduce our suffering, because most of our stress and anxiety come from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
I realized that a lot of my overwhelm was due to my mind constantly racing ahead or lagging behind. I was rarely truly present.
So, I began to practice mindfulness. I started with small things, like really tasting my food, or paying attention to the sensation of water on my skin when I showered. Gradually, I started practicing mindfulness throughout the day.
Mindfulness brought an unexpected calm into my life. It helped me focus on what I was doing in the moment, reducing the mental clutter that often led to feelings of stress and overwhelm.
This practice isn’t about achieving a state of permanent zen; it’s about being attentive and present in your daily life. It’s not always easy, but its benefits are substantial.
3) Adopting negative visualization
As noted by experts, people who regularly practice gratitude report lower levels of depression and higher life satisfaction. This brings us to the third Stoic practice I adopted – negative visualization.
Now, this might sound counterintuitive. Isn’t visualizing negative outcomes going to make me more stressed?
Not quite. The Stoics believed in mentally rehearsing worst-case scenarios, not to induce fear, but to appreciate what we have. When we visualize the potential loss of our blessings, we tend to feel more grateful for them.
I began dedicating a few minutes each day to this practice. Instead of panicking about what could go wrong, I found myself appreciating the good in my life even more.
Negative visualization has a way of grounding you in the present and bringing about a deep sense of gratitude. The result?
Reduced feelings of overwhelm and stress. It’s been a peculiar but effective method in achieving a calmer state of mind.
4) Journaling for clarity
Journaling, as it turns out, is not a new-age concept. Stoics have long used this tool for introspection and self-improvement.
This has been a huge one for me.
In the midst of constant overwhelm and stress, my mind often felt cloudy with thoughts and worries. That’s where journaling stepped in.
Each day, I started setting aside time to write. Not just about the day’s events, but about my thoughts, feelings, and reactions to them. This wasn’t just a recap of my day; it was a deep dive into my internal world.
This practice of putting pen to paper brought an unexpected clarity. It helped me understand my stressors, identify patterns in my reactions, and ultimately, navigate through the chaos with more grace.
Journaling became a form of therapy for me. It provided an outlet for my thoughts and a way to process my emotions. It helped me channel my overwhelm into something constructive.
Moreover, this practice has made me more attuned to my inner self, and more resilient in the face of stress.
Journaling might seem simple, but its therapeutic benefits are immense. It’s been a key tool in managing my stress and maintaining my mental wellbeing.
5) Daily reminders of mortality
Have you ever thought about your own mortality?
This might seem like a grim topic, but it’s actually a fundamental Stoic practice. Stoics regularly remind themselves that life is fleeting, not to induce fear, but to appreciate the present.
Initially, the idea of contemplating mortality on a regular basis seemed morbid to me. But as I began to integrate this practice into my daily life, I saw its real value.
Thinking about mortality puts things into perspective. It reminds us that our time is limited, and therefore every moment is precious. It teaches us not to take life for granted, and to prioritize what truly matters.
This has helped me significantly reduce stress and overwhelm. When I remind myself of my mortality, the small worries and stresses seem insignificant. It helps me focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.
6) Implementing Stoic indifference
Picture this: You’re stuck in traffic, late for an important meeting, and your frustration is mounting by the second.
In such moments, practicing Stoic indifference can be a game-changer.
The Stoics distinguish between things that are within our control (our actions, thoughts, and reactions) and things beyond it (like traffic, other people’s behavior, or the weather). They argue for emotional indifference to the latter.
Initially, the concept of ‘indifference’ seemed disengaging to me. But I soon realized it’s not about being uncaring; it’s about knowing where to invest your emotional energy.
By adopting Stoic indifference, I learned to focus my emotions on aspects of my life I can control, while maintaining equanimity towards those I cannot.
7) Practicing dispassion
Last but not least, Stoics advocate for a life of reason over emotion.
I used to be easily swayed by my emotions, which often led to stress and overwhelm. But practicing dispassion taught me to pause, observe my emotions, and then respond rationally rather than react impulsively.
This doesn’t mean suppressing emotions. It’s about acknowledging them, understanding their origin, and then choosing a rational response.
Practicing dispassion has given me a sense of control over my emotional world. It’s significantly reduced feelings of stress and overwhelm by helping me manage my emotional reactions more effectively.
While it requires practice and patience, the rewards of living a life guided by reason over emotional impulse are profound.
In the end, adopting these nine Stoic practices has transformed my relationship with stress and overwhelm. They’ve not only brought calm into my life but also a deeper understanding of myself. Give them a try – they might just do the same for you.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
