5 tips for staying calm when you’re stressed
When stress rises, most people do not suddenly become someone different. They often become more intensely who they are or were rather than who they are working on becoming. Old habits, protective behaviors, and familiar patterns tend to reappear, sometimes before we even realize it is happening. A leader who normally listens well may become controlling. A collaborative team member may withdraw. A…
Stress can often cause people to revert to old, familiar behaviors, even if those habits are no longer helpful. This can be seen in leaders becoming more controlling, team members withdrawing, or individuals reacting defensively. The fragile nature of culture during stressful times can cause previously established norms and trust to quickly reemerge.
To maintain calmness during stressful moments, here are five practices to consider:
1. Name your feelings objectively: Rather than becoming consumed by emotions, consciously observe and describe them without drama. This provides a space for better choices and helps others understand your state, enabling them to offer support.
2. Regulate your nervous system: Stress can trigger the body's fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses, which can negatively impact communication and decision-making. Simple regulation practices like slow breathing, taking breaks, or moving your body can help stabilize this response and prevent stress from spreading to the team.
3. Focus on your sphere of control: During difficult times, it's easy to become overwhelmed by things beyond your control. Instead, focus on what you can do right now, such as clarifying expectations, having honest conversations, following through on commitments, or asking thoughtful questions. This practice grounds individuals in their own agency and fosters a healthier culture.
4. Reconnect to something greater than yourself: Stress narrows perspective, making it crucial to reconnect to something larger to regain clarity and resilience. This can be achieved through faith, purpose, service, or personal relationships. Identifying what helps you remember why this matters can act as an anchor during challenging seasons and remind people that growth often involves discomfort and uncertainty.
5. Stay connected with supportive individuals: During stress, isolation can make old behaviors more likely to reemerge. Surround yourself with people who can help you notice when you're below the line, encourage healthier perspectives, remind you of your values, support nervous system regulation, challenge you compassionately, and help you reconnect to purpose. Maintaining these connections is essential for navigating pressure more intentionally and avoiding reactive responses.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
