“In the past year, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope.” That’s a quote from Mental Health Foundation. It’s no secret that life is stressful these days.
However, we’ve all met those individuals who seem to thrive under pressure, handling stress with ease and grace. What’s their secret?
Is it a particular talent? A superpower, perhaps?
Well, not quite.
It turns out that people who are exceptional at managing stress share certain habits and characteristics. These common factors help them navigate through life’s pressures without losing their cool.
Today, we’ll uncover the five things these stress masters have in common.
Let’s get to it.
1) They practice mindfulness
This first one is one I’ve personally found to be a game-changer in dealing with stress: mindfulness.
And it’s backed up by research, too. A review of studies found that mindfulness can “significantly reduce anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and stress levels.”
So what’s it all about?
Well, I used to be that person who’d constantly worry about the future, or dwell on the past. This would often result in increased stress and anxiety.
But then I discovered mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about staying present and fully engaging with what’s happening right now. It’s about acknowledging your feelings without judgement and accepting the present moment for what it is.
I started with small steps – taking five minutes out of my day to just focus on my breathing, or really pay attention to the taste and texture of my food during meals.
It made a world of difference. I found myself more at peace, and better equipped to handle stress when it did come knocking.
2) They avoid comparing themselves to others
In a study by the Mental Health Foundation, a significant portion of young adults (49% of 18-24-year-olds) reported that comparisons with others contribute to their stress, highlighting the prevalence of this issue in today’s social media-driven society.
Individuals who excel in managing stress steer clear of this.
Experts also emphasize the importance of comparing ourselves to others. For instance, in his influential book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson dedicates an entire chapter to the pitfalls of comparisons.
By concentrating on their journeys and achievements, those who manage stress effectively cultivate a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence.
They recognize that each person’s path is unique and that the only truly useful comparison is with who they were yesterday—not with someone else’s today. This approach helps them to remain focused, grounded, and less prone to the stress that inevitably comes from unfavorable comparisons.
3) They do some physical activity
You probably guessed this one was coming.
Physical activity isn’t just good for your body; it’s also a powerful stress reliever. The connection between exercise and stress relief is so strong that it’s often said, “Exercise is like nature’s antidepressant.”
As the folks at the Mayo Clinic put it, “Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.
Whether it’s a jog through the park, a dance class, or even a quick stretch during a break, movement does wonders. It shifts our focus from the stressors to the rhythm of our body, offers a fresh perspective, and leaves us feeling rejuvenated.
Plus, it’s a great way to break the monotony of a daily routine, giving us something fun and energetic to look forward to every day.
4) They cultivate strong social connections
This is quite an interesting one.
As noted by Help Guide, “Research shows that people with high levels of social support seem to be more resilient in the face of stressful situations. ”
Basically, we’re social creatures by nature, and having strong, positive relationships in our lives can significantly affect how we handle stress.
People who manage stress well often have a strong support network of family and friends. They know the importance of having someone to lean on, someone to share their worries with, and someone to offer them advice or simply lend a listening ear.
Even more than that, they actively work on cultivating these relationships. They make time for the people they care about, ensuring that they maintain these crucial social bonds.
5) They aren’t afraid of saying no
Here’s something I’ve struggled with in the past: saying no.
I used to find myself taking on more than I could handle simply because I didn’t want to disappoint others.
But over time, I discovered that this was leading to unnecessary stress. I was overextending myself, and it was taking a toll.
People who handle stress well understand that it’s okay to say no sometimes. They realize that they can’t do everything and be everywhere for everyone at all times. They prioritize their time and energy, and if they can’t accommodate something, they aren’t afraid to politely decline.
Learning to say no was a journey for me. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And it’s made a huge difference in managing my stress levels. So remember, it’s okay to say no when you need to. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about self-preservation.
The bottom line
We all encounter stress. It’s a universal human experience.
However, how we react to this stress varies greatly. Some crumble under pressure while others thrive, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
What sets these stress-defying individuals apart isn’t some magical trick or secret formula. It’s often a culmination of habits and practices, such as the ones we’ve covered today.
But these practices aren’t exclusive to the stress-defying superheroes among us. They’re accessible to all of us. All it takes is a little commitment and effort.
As always, I hope you found some value in this post. Is so, why not consider joining our newsletter below to stay updated and informed?
Until next time.
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