Keeping cool under pressure is a skill that most of us wish to possess.
But, have you ever wondered how some people are able to stay calm even in the most stressful situations?
Well, I have, and it turns out there’s a psychological explanation behind it.
So, let’s delve into the eight habits of people who remain calm under pressure, as per psychology.
These are simple habits that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives to become more resilient in the face of adversity.
Ready to unlock the secret to staying calm when the heat is on?
Let’s dive right in.
1) They practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a buzzword these days, but it’s more than just a trend. It’s a psychological tool that has been proven to help people stay calm under pressure.
What is mindfulness exactly? It’s the act of focusing on the present moment, accepting it without judgment. It’s about being fully engaged in whatever you’re doing right now.
According to the American Psychological Association, people who practice mindfulness are better able to handle stress because they’re not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. They’re focused on the here and now.
This can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath, to really taste your food when you eat, or to actively listen when someone is talking to you.
By practicing mindfulness, you can train your brain to stay calm and focused even in challenging situations.
So, the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, take a deep breath and try to stay present. It really works!
Remember, like any other skill, mindfulness takes practice. Start today and make it a habit.
2) They reframe their perspective
I’ve learned from personal experience that changing the way you view a situation can greatly impact how you react to it.
A few years ago, I faced a particularly challenging work project with tight deadlines and high stakes. Initially, I was overwhelmed. But then, I decided to reframe the situation in my mind.
Instead of seeing it as a threat, I started viewing it as an opportunity to grow and prove my capabilities. This shift in perspective turned a potentially stressful situation into a motivating challenge.
Psychology tells us that how we perceive a situation is more important than the situation itself when it comes to stress levels. So, reframing your perspective can help you stay calm under pressure.
Next time you’re faced with a stressful situation, try to see it from a different angle. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can this situation help me grow?” Trust me, it works wonders.
3) They exercise regularly
Exercise is not just about physical fitness. It also plays a significant role in our mental well-being.
Regular physical activity releases endorphins, known as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which can help us keep stress at bay.
Researchers found that people who engage in regular physical activity have lower stress levels compared to those who don’t.
They found that even a quick 20-minute walk can help reduce stress and anxiety.
So, whether it’s going for a run, doing yoga, or simply taking a brisk walk in the park, make sure you incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
Not only will it help you stay calm under pressure, but it will also boost your overall health and well-being.
But exercising is not the only stress-reducing method our bodies have to offer. There’s another body-related habit cultivated by those who stay calm under pressure…
4) They practice deep breathing
When we’re under pressure, our bodies naturally respond by increasing our heart rate and breathing faster. This is part of the ‘fight or flight’ response.
But, you can counteract this stress response with a simple technique – deep breathing.
Deep breathing helps to slow down your heart rate, allowing you to feel more peaceful and less stressed. It’s a technique that you can use in any situation, and it only takes a few minutes.
Here’s how you do it: Close your eyes, take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you start to feel calmer.
Remember, the key to deep breathing is to breathe from your diaphragm, not your chest. This means when you take a deep breath in, your belly should expand outward.
Practicing this habit regularly can help you stay calm under pressure.
5) They maintain a positive attitude
Staying calm under pressure can be a real challenge, but those who manage it often share one common trait – they maintain a positive attitude.
It’s easy to let negativity take over when you’re in a high-pressure situation. But dwelling on negative thoughts, called rumination in psychiatry, only amplifies stress and anxiety.
Instead, try focusing on the positive aspects of the situation.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the problem, but rather acknowledging it and then focusing on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the issue.
Keep your self-talk positive and remind yourself of your past successes and abilities.
Remember, your mindset can greatly influence how you react to situations. So, strive to keep a positive attitude – even when things get tough.
However, if things get too challenging to handle on your own, remember that even the best of us sometimes need to seek help from others…
6) They lean on their support network
We all have those moments when the pressure seems too much to handle alone. That’s when leaning on your support network can make a world of difference.
Having someone to talk to, whether it’s a friend, family member, or mentor, can help alleviate stress and provide a fresh perspective on the situation.
Sometimes, just knowing that someone else understands what you’re going through can make you feel less overwhelmed.
Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt conversation or the reassurance that comes from knowing you’re not alone.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network when times get tough.
After all, we’re all human and we all need a helping hand sometimes.
7) They take regular breaks
Once, during a particularly grueling work week, I found myself feeling constantly on edge and unable to focus.
It was then I realized I had been pushing myself too hard without taking any substantial breaks.
Taking regular breaks is crucial to staying calm under pressure. It gives your mind a chance to rest and recharge, which can help you come back to the task at hand with renewed focus and energy.
Whether it’s a five-minute pause to make a cup of tea, stepping outside for some fresh air, or taking an entire day off, taking breaks can make a significant difference in your stress levels.
So remember, it’s not just about working hard, but also about working smart.
And part of working smart is knowing when to take a step back and give yourself a break.
8) They practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is another powerful habit that can help you stay calm under pressure.
Instead of focusing on the negatives, make a conscious effort to recognize and appreciate the good things in your life.
This could be anything from appreciating a warm cup of coffee in the morning, being thankful for supportive friends, or simply feeling grateful for a sunny day.
This habit shifts your focus from what’s causing stress to the positive aspects of your life.
And this positive focus can help reduce feelings of pressure and anxiety.
Next time you’re feeling stressed, take a moment to think about what you’re grateful for. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference.
Final thought: It’s all about the mindset
When it comes to managing stress and staying calm under pressure, it ultimately boils down to our mindset and our approach towards life.
How we perceive and respond to an event is more important than the event itself in determining stress levels.
It’s not the events or situations that are stressful, but our reactions to them.
Remember, stress and pressure are inevitable parts of life. But they don’t have to control you.
By developing these habits and changing your mindset, you’re not just surviving under pressure; you’re learning to thrive in it.
So the next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, take a moment. Breathe deeply.
Remember these habits and know that you have the power to stay calm under pressure.
After all, it’s not just about the situation you’re in; it’s about how you choose to respond.