Managing Stress and Leveling Up

Have you ever considered what women who consistently achieve — despite difficult circumstances — have in common?

Studies show that women who have had successful careers share two key attributes: the ability to manage stress and overcome adversity. We do need stress in our lives, don’t get me wrong: research has demonstrated that some level of stress can keep you alert and ready to perform to your best ability. However, when that pressure overtakes your brain, there are some effective ways to manage your stress:

• Do the 4-7-8 breathing exercise to calm your nervous system. Conscious breathing helps to clear your mind, relax your body, and reduce stress and anxiety.

• Complete a morning brain dump. Get everything out of your head and onto paper so that you have the mental space to let creativity in. If you can handle it, a daily 3-page stream of consciousness is one of Julia Cameron’s popular rituals in The Artist's Way.

• Exercise! Put that pandemic Peloton purchase to good use by expelling tension and pent up energy, and clearing your mind to focus on the day ahead.

• Spend time in nature. Research shows that contact with plants/trees triggers recovery from stress and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Make a point to step away from your desk and get some Vitamin D, if only for a few minutes each day. 

I’ll be back here next week to talk about the second piece: overcoming adversity. In the meantime, stay cool, calm, and collected!

Hugs and joy