How Successful Individuals Find Peace

If you follow The Chase Design Newsletter, you will know that we mentioned a direct correlation between success and stress. Our brains are programmed to take action when some levels of stress are presented. In fact, most successful people perform the best when there are moderate levels of stress present.

A study conducted by Elizabeth Kirby, a post-doctoral from the University of California, Berkeley revealed that some levels of stress attracts the growth of new cells which are responsible for memory improvement; however, new cells are only regenerated when stress is sporadic at irregular interval levels. Yet, if the stress continues at a continuous state, then it restrains the development of new cells.

Elizabeth Kirby noted that when stress levels occur at irregular intervals the brain becomes more alert, which enables people to perform better.

Top performers are successful because they learned how to cope with stress by utilizing strategies that work for them, thus resulting in lower stress levels regardless of the situation. I will discuss ten of the best strategies successful people use to cope with stress. Some strategies might seem obvious, yet the challenges for most people are knowing when and how to use these strategies when the stress is present.

1. Appreciate what you have not what you don’t have

Taking time each day to appreciate what you have is not only good for you, but it also improves your mood and reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 23%. According to research from the University of California Davis, they revealed that individuals that are grateful daily are able to improve physically, have more energy, and exhibit a positive mood.

2. They don’t think about the “What Ifs?”

If you want to add fire to your stress, then go ahead ask yourself “What if?” Life is very unpredictable and can go many different ways; however, the more time we spend worrying about different possibilities the less time we have to spend on taking action to calm down and or keep the stress under control. People that are calm know that asking the question inside their head “what if?” will only drive them mentally to a place they don’t want to go.

3. If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!

By consciously allowing yourself to think about something positive – you are already creating a stress free environment not only mentally but physically and emotionally. Of course, you can debate the fact that when things are going good it is easy to daydream about the hottie next door or that last piece of chocolate cake slowly melting inside your mouth, but when things are not so good your mind is flooded with every worst case scenario. In this exact moment, let your mind wander back to something positive that happened today, yesterday or last week – no matter how minute it may have been. The point is you need to learn how to be able to shift your negative way of thinking once you are able to recognize signs of stress and anxiety.

4. Can you hear me now? No – don’t try again

Learning how to disconnect yourself from work and other distractions is a great option to turn off your mind from the constant stress. Is it easy to isolate yourself in work because after all, most successful entrepreneurs work ridiculous amount of hours. Yet, studies have shown that a simple break can significantly reduce your stress level.

Technology has made it extremely easy to have access to someone 24/7, but just because this is easily accessible does not mean it is a healthy habit.

Make a plan. Choose a time during the weekend or during the week when you shut off your phone, close your laptop, and create a mental break from all the work related stressors. You will be surprised how much more relaxed and refreshed you will feel.

If you are concerned about repercussions – inform your colleagues through email or a memo about your offline hours. I’m sure they will do the same and appreciate it.

5. Make it a decaf soy latte please!

Did you know that drinking caffeinated liquids trigger the release of adrenaline “fight –or-flight” survival response? The only issue with this adrenaline rush is that this survival mechanism can fog rational thinking. When the brain enters this state along with the body it allows your emotions to trample your behavior. So limit the caffeine.

6. One sheep, two sheep, zzzz!

I cannot stress the importance of having enough sleep because sleep is needed in order to recharge the brain, increase emotional intelligence, and lower stress. Not only is your brain recharging, but it is also storing or discharging memories from the day, which is why we dream.

Did you know sleep deprivation causes stressors to be presented even when there is nothing to be stressed about?

Next time you want to pull an all-nighter for that big project just remember sleep is needed in order to keep things under control.

7. Stop negative self-talk

You know that voice lingering in the back of your head full of negative talk? Shut it off! This is a major issue when learning how to control stress and not letting it control you. The more you allow those negative thoughts to run around your the more power you give it. If you start believing negative thoughts and allow them to take control then you are letting self-destruction win. Learn to channel negativity in a positive way through exercise, journaling, or other forms of expression.

8. Cognitive Reframing

Cognitive reframing is a psychological technique used to identify then dispute irrational thoughts. By reframing we can examine negative thoughts and emotions and figure out a positive approach. Even though we cannot control circumstances and events, we do have the power to control how we respond to it.

It is said that 20% of life is what happens to us and 80% is how we react. Next time you spend too much time overanalyzing feelings, emotions, and thoughts, take some time to put the situation into a different perspective. A good way to correct negative thought patterns is to make a list of things that are not working and more likely you will see that you are blowing the picture way out of proportion.

9. Take a deep breath

Sometimes the easiest way to get rid of stress is to simply; BREATHE. The practice of breathing in the moment will train the brain to focus on what you are doing right there in the moment. Start by sitting back in a chair and counting each breath until you get to 20 with your eyes closed, focusing on your chest rising up and abdominal track releasing into the back of your spine. See – you just did it!

10. Support systems help!

Go ahead and ask for help when you need it. Asking for help does not make you a weak person, in fact it actually makes you strong. It makes you strong because it take a strong person to recognize their weaknesses and not hesitate to ask for help. Sometimes something so easy as asking for help can decrease stress and anxiety. So go ahead and meet that friend or colleague because most of the time, they might see a solution that you don’t and they will most likely offer a new and different perspective.