STRESSED TO THE MAX?

Experts and Regular Folks Weigh in with Tips for Reducing Stress

2020 was a stressful year and the first few months of 2021 haven’t been much better. In hopes of lightening your (stressful) load, we polled a diverse group of leaders to share their tips for dealing with stress. Here’s what they said:

DR. JOHN CHUBACK

Cardiovascular surgeon, personal development & success training expert, and author of The Straight A Handbook: The 50 Most Powerful Secrets For Ultimate Success In And Out Of The Classroom

1. Control your mind. As a cardiovascular surgeon, I have performed countless, highly technical, high-risk surgical procedures. Such operations would be intensely stress-provoking for any individual who had not spent many years training for such experiences. However, in the same operating room, an observer - a medical student for example - feels no stress during cardiac surgery because they bear no responsibility. So we see that stress as an actual entity doesn’t really exist. Stress is only experienced in the mind of the individual. It’s a perception of a situation; it’s not the situation itself. Once one masters one’s mind, stress begins to gradually dissipate and be replaced with self-confidence, self-control, and tranquility. It is essential that we understand the workings of our mind in order to take control of how we will respond to the challenging situations life has to offer. This is perhaps the most empowering skill one can develop.

SCOTT SCHRODER college student and co-author of 101 Ways to Rock Running for Office