how to stay calm when stressed

A few years ago, I found myself locked out of my house in the middle of a freezing Montreal winter. I had just returned home after visiting a friend across town, and to my dismay, I realized that I had left my keys inside. It was midnight, and the temperature outside was a bone-chilling minus 40 degrees. I considered calling a locksmith, but the thought of waiting in the cold for their arrival was not appealing. I also had an early flight to Europe the next morning, and I needed to retrieve my passport and suitcase from inside the house. Faced with this predicament, I made the decision to break into my own home by smashing a basement window with a large rock. I then covered the broken window with cardboard and tape, intending to have it repaired by a contractor later. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the impact of stress on decision-making.

As a neuroscientist, I understand the effects of stress on the brain. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can lead to increased heart rate, elevated adrenaline levels, and impaired cognitive function. The following morning, as I grappled with the consequences of my actions, I realized that my judgment had been clouded by the stress I was under. This realization prompted me to explore strategies for preventing or mitigating the impact of stressful situations.

One such strategy that I discovered is known as prospective hindsight, or the pre-mortem. This approach involves anticipating potential problems and developing plans to address them before they occur. I began to apply this concept to various aspects of my life, including home organization, travel, and medical decision-making.

In terms of home organization, I learned the importance of designating specific locations for commonly misplaced items, such as keys, passports, and eyeglasses. By establishing consistent placement for these items, I could avoid the stress of searching for them when needed. Additionally, I adopted the practice of taking photographs of important documents, such as credit cards and identification, and storing them in a secure digital location to facilitate replacement in case of loss or theft.

When it comes to medical decision-making, I realized the significance of informed consent and the need to ask critical questions about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments. For example, when considering the use of statin medications to lower cholesterol, I learned about the concept of the number needed to treat (NNT). This statistic represents the number of individuals who need to receive a particular treatment for one person to benefit from it. I discovered that for certain medications and surgical procedures, the NNT can be surprisingly high, indicating that the likelihood of experiencing a positive outcome may be lower than expected. By understanding these statistics and considering potential side effects, I could engage in more informed discussions with healthcare providers and make decisions that align with my values and preferences.

Staying composed under pressure is a valuable skill to develop, whether you're dealing with personal issues, work deadlines, or life's challenges. A calm response helps you think clearly, analyze situations accurately, and make better decisions. It can make the difference between feeling successful and feeling overwhelmed. Maintaining composure during challenging situations means being aware of the pressure but remaining calm, focused, and clear-headed instead of letting it control you.

"Some degree of anxiety is normal and even necessary," says Dr. Ann Epstein, a psychiatrist at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance and medical editor of the Harvard Special Health Report Coping with Anxiety and Stress. "Anxiety signals us that something is awry or might need our attention. However, you don't want the response to become exaggerated or to dominate your life," she says. Good coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety can help you stay healthy during turbulent times. Staying cool, calm, and collected when you’re under pressure isn’t always easy, but it’s a great skill to cultivate. A calm mind helps you to think more clearly, analyze situations more accurately, and to make better decisions.

In conclusion, the practice of prospective hindsight has empowered me to approach stressful situations with greater clarity and preparedness. By anticipating challenges and developing proactive strategies, I have been able to minimize the impact of stress on my decision-making and overall well-being. While I continue to refine my organizational skills and decision-making processes, I am committed to embracing the gradual progress toward a more resilient and mindful approach to life.