Lucas Graham
Ever wondered about those seemingly stress-resistant individuals who effortlessly navigate life’s chaos without breaking a sweat?
Turns out, there’s more to their composure than meets the eye.
Being someone who easily gets stressed, I’ve taken a keen interest in observing the habits of the remarkably mentally resilient folks in my life.
It’s like my personal quest to unravel how they manage to dodge stress so effortlessly.
And along the way, I’ve picked up some invaluable lessons for myself.
In this article, I’ll share with you the 7 daily habits commonly seen in stress-busters who are pros at keeping cool amid life’s whirlwind.
From morning rituals to evening routines, these habits are the gold standard manual for a stress-free lifestyle.
1) They embrace mindfulness
This was a challenging concept for me to grasp.
“Living in the present” stemmed from the idea that my mind could either be my greatest ally or my worst enemy.
But the truth is, my mind was simply a tool to interpret and navigate the world around me.
Let me elaborate.
Consider your own thoughts right now. They flow independently, much like a river.
Your heart rate fluctuates on its own, responding to these thoughts and emotions.
Your body experiences stress or tranquility based on these interpretations.
While reading these words, your mind is processing information, and your emotions are reacting—all on their own.
If you’re striving for a low-stress lifestyle, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you can’t control everything. You’re responding instinctively.
It’s significant to let go of the illusion of control that comes from believing you can manage every thought and emotion.
You can’t. Your actions do matter, however, and they become most effective when they are driven by instinct and mindfulness instead of overthinking. When you act consciously.
2) They don’t avoid stress
This might seem like an odd perspective to hold.
Guidance on how to lead a low-stress lifestyle usually encourages “avoiding stressful situations” or “keeping away from triggers”.
While this is a common approach, it isn’t the most effective in the long run.
Instead, a more successful strategy comes from embracing stress.
It comes from understanding and acknowledging your stressors. As this renowned psychologist says:
“Face your stress. Don’t do anything—no avoidance, no denial—just face whatever the situation is causing you stress. Don’t run from it, don’t suppress it, don’t ignore it; don’t take any action at all on your part. You just need to acknowledge it, and the miracle of acknowledging is growth. As you acknowledge, slowly your mind becomes equipped to handle stress; but you are not becoming detached, you are becoming more engaged, more aware.”
When you try to “avoid stress” all the time, you give too much power to your stressors.
You sacrifice your instinctive resilience.
Now, I give less power to my stressors. Sometimes I encounter stressful situations.
Other times I’m dealing with challenging tasks. I don’t worry about this anymore.
3) They actively practice gratitude
You might think that this is a cliché, but surprisingly, many people overlook the power of gratitude.
Stress often rears its ugly head in all aspects of life, but if you willingly put yourselves in a position to be thankful, you are inviting positivity.
Also, it’s important to ask yourself about the role of gratitude in your life.
Perhaps you and your colleagues are feeling stressed because you’re focusing on what’s going wrong.
Often, we berate ourselves for negative thoughts, as though it’s something that we shouldn’t think.
Perhaps it’s time to embrace gratitude. They may be a sign that you’re onto a healthier mindset.
4) They prioritize self-care
Having stumbled through my fair share of stressful moments, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of stress-busters and their knack for prioritizing self-care.
It’s not just a checkbox on their to-do list; it’s a deliberate and loving commitment to their well-being.
These experts recognize that amidst life’s chaos, taking a moment for themselves is not indulgence but a necessity.
From intentional breaks to activities that bring genuine joy, their self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
Through observing them, I’ve learned that carving out time for oneself isn’t selfish—it’s a prerequisite for resilience.
It’s like they’ve mastered the art of refueling their own tanks, making them better equipped to navigate the stressors that come their way.
5) They maintain a balanced lifestyle
This was something I had to learn the hard way.
Years back, I found myself consumed by my work.
I was constantly on the move, trying to get ahead, and in the process, I ignored other aspects of life.
My relationships suffered, my health took a backseat, and before I knew it, I was living a life that was far from balanced.
One day, after a particularly stressful week, I found myself feeling incredibly burnt out.
That’s when it hit me – I had been so focused on one aspect of my life that I had completely neglected others.
I realized that leading a balanced lifestyle wasn’t just about dividing my time equally between work and leisure.
It was about ensuring every aspect of my life received the attention it deserved—be it health, relationships, personal growth, or even rest.
Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to maintain balance in my life. I’ve learned to say ‘no’ when work gets too overwhelming and to prioritize my health and relationships just as much as my career.
This balance has not only reduced my stress levels but has also made me more content and fulfilled in all areas of life.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
6) They recognize the role of physical activity
People who rarely experience stress understand the importance of regular exercise.
They see physical activity not just as a means to stay fit, but also as a powerful tool to manage stress.
The connection between physical activity and stress relief is more than anecdotal—it’s backed by scientific research.
Here’s the key point:
This knowledge encourages us to integrate regular physical activity into our daily routine, understanding its role in promoting mental well-being.
For those feeling overwhelmed, incorporating exercise can provide a sense of control.
It’s a reminder that we have the ability to influence our state of mind, that we can trigger positive physiological responses that counteract the effects of stress.
7) They embrace stress
People who rarely get bogged down by stress have a unique perspective—they don’t see stress as an enemy, but rather as an ally.
This may seem contrarian, but there’s a profound wisdom in this approach.
Instead of fighting against stress or trying to eliminate it completely, they acknowledge its presence and utilize it as a tool for growth.
They understand that stress, in its essence, is a response designed to help us cope with challenging situations.
This perspective encourages us to view stress as an opportunity for learning and growth, not just an inconvenience to be avoided.
It’s about using stress to our advantage—channeling the energy it produces into productive tasks and personal development.
In embracing stress, we learn to navigate through life’s challenges more effectively and build resilience.
This resilience, in turn, equips us to handle future stressors with greater ease.
Bottom line: It could be habitual
There you have it – the 7 habits commonly found in people who handle stress like champs.
These habits basically lay the groundwork for their stress-busting techniques, and they play a pivotal role in their overall well-being.
Whether it’s embracing mindfulness, facing stress head-on, or maintaining a balanced lifestyle, the underlying daily habits might be enhancing their experience.
In the end, it’s not just about avoiding stress, but learning to work with it, understand it, and use it to our advantage.
It’s about cultivating habits that not only help us manage stress but also empower us to lead more fulfilling lives.
