Ever feel like stress is life’s way of playing a never-ending prank on you?
One minute, you’re handling things like a pro. The next, you’re overwhelmed by an email subject line that starts with “Can you take a look at this?”
Stress doesn’t disappear—it just changes costumes.
The truth is, a stress-free life is a myth.
But here’s the good news: stress isn’t your enemy. It’s your training ground. Master it, and you can tackle anything.
Here are six techniques to help you turn stress into your secret weapon:
When you’re rushing, everything feels urgent—and that’s when mistakes happen.
Take it from Carl Lewis, the Olympic gold medalist who ran his fastest at 85% effort.
The counterintuitive trick? Slow down to speed up.
Here’s how:
The world won’t end if you take a moment to regroup.
Stress hijacks your nervous system, but your breath can take back control.
Here are two techniques that neuroscientists swear by:
These aren’t just “woo-woo” tactics. They work because they hack your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming your body down.
Pro Tip: Pair this with an activity you already do daily—like brushing your teeth or sitting in traffic—so it becomes second nature.
Your brain isn’t a storage unit for every worry, to-do list, or intrusive thought.
Get it out of your head and onto paper.
Try this:
Why it works: Writing forces clarity. You can’t tackle a nebulous worry, but you can solve a concrete problem.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: your brain is the engine, and stress is the red warning light.
Here’s how to tune it up:
Pro Tip: Treat your brain like an expensive car. You wouldn’t put junk fuel in a Ferrari—so why do it to yourself?
When you’re knee-deep in stress, every little problem feels like the end of the world.
But here’s a question that can save you hours of overthinking:
“Will this matter in 5 years?”
If the answer is no, don’t give it more than 5 minutes of your energy.
Here’s another:
Perspective isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about reminding yourself what really matters.
Your brain is always eavesdropping on what you say to yourself.
Change your language, and you change how you feel.
Try these reframes:
Pro Tip: Keep a list of reframes on your phone. Use them when negative self-talk starts spiraling.
Stress management isn’t just a “break glass in case of emergency” situation.
Here’s how to build a daily stress-defense routine:
Think of it as preventative maintenance for your mental health.
Stress doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re trying.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go through it alone.
And remember: Every challenge you face is sharpening you for the next one.
The waves won’t stop, but you can learn to surf like a pro.
Until next time,
Ben
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