A stressed brain vs a creative brain.
Which one do you think is better equipped to solve problems?
How to manage stress as a High Performer or Entrepreneur:
Stress resistance is like a muscle.
But it works slightly differently and becomes overworked easily.
To understand this, we must understand the fight or flight response; one of our oldest self-protection mechanisms.
It traces back to a time when we werenโt as smart as we are today.
When the problems we faced needed ๐จ๐ช๐ฅ๐๐ง ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐ rather than ๐จ๐ช๐ฅ๐๐ง ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ก๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐.
Therefore, in a highly stressed state, we are better equipped to hit a punchbag or run the 100-meter sprint.
But not to solve a mental problem.
In fact, our cognitive abilities become impaired.
If you donโt learn to manage stress effectively, you will be ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐ค๐ข๐ฑ๐ข๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ค๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ญ๐บ.
But it gets even worse.
Another feature of the human stress response is that we can become more sensitive to it.
What that means:
The more stressors we have going on in our lives at any one time, the lower our threshold for a stress response becomes.
This is a trait we developed to help us deal with times when many dangerous threats are present.
Thatโs why people under stress can sometimes fly off the handle over seemingly trivial things.
Thatโs not a great headspace for running a high-growth business.
You canโt have a meltdown when youโre a leader. Your team and your company need you.
This means our goal is to lower stress, so we are more equipped to take on more.
It’s somewhat similar to a muscle, but it gets overworked extremely easily.
And an overworked muscle is prone to injury; where a movement without weight can hurt.
So how do we lower stress?
There are four elements:
– Hormones
– Self-awareness
– Proactive measures
– Supplements
Let’s break these down individually:
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, plays a vital role in your body’s stress response.
It helps regulate metabolism, inflammation & immune responses.
However, when levels are constantly high, it can lead to impaired cognitive ability & various health issues.
How to lower cortisol:
– Exercise regularly
– Get adequate sleep
– Consume less caffeine
– Supplements (more on this later)
– Indulge in hobbies & creative outlets
These steps help your body regulate cortisol and release endorphins so that you’re not unnecessarily stressed.
Self-awareness is your first line of defense against stress.
It’s knowing your mental & physical limits โ and recognising when you’re close.
By being aware, you can take proactive measures to decompress before stress takes a toll, such as:
– Breaks
– Self-care
– Meditation
Breaks are not just pausesโthey are periods of recovery.
Like a muscle after a workout, your mind needs time to repair and grow stronger.
Even short breaks throughout the day can help reset your stress levels and keep you functioning optimally.
Walking in nature is a powerful stress reducer and one of my favourite. The greenery, the fresh air, the quietโthey all contribute to reducing cortisol levels and improving your mental state for clarity. Aim to get outside daily, if you can.
Supplements and certain foods can also be an effective tool in stress management. The goal: Decrease the stress hormone cortisol. 5 excellent choices:
๐ญ. ๐๐๐ต๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ต๐ฎ: An adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha helps in balancing stress hormones, particularly cortisol.
๐ฎ. ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ: Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress without sedation.
๐ฏ. ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐: Gut health affects mood and stress, meaning: probiotics can help manage stress.
๐ฐ. ๐ ๐ฎ๐ด๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐๐บ: Known for calming effects, aids in muscle relaxation and stress reduction.
๐ฑ. ๐๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Blueberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C that have been shown to provide anxiety relief. Additionally, taking care of your overall health will reduce unnecessary stress: – Energy – Gut health – Heart health – Strengthening immunity
Putting it together:
– Practice self-awareness
–Take proactive measures
–Reduce cortisol levels
–Consider supplements & fix your diet
The most important part is to become aware when you’re getting close to your limits.
Have a stress-free day.