The importance of stress management

The ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to your performance. TalentSmart has conducted research with more than a million people, and we’ve found that 90% of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress in order to remain calm and in control.

The tricky thing about stress and the anxiety that comes with it is that it’s an absolutely necessary emotion. Our brains are wired such that it’s difficult to take action until we feel at least some level of this emotional state. In fact, performance peaks under the heightened activation that comes with moderate levels of stress. As long as the stress isn’t prolonged, it’s harmless.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals an upside to experiencing moderate levels of stress. But it also reinforces how important it is to keep stress under control. The study found that the onset of stress entices the brain into growing new cells responsible for improved memory. However, this effect is only seen when stress is intermittent. As soon as the stress continues beyond a few moments into a prolonged state, it suppresses the brain’s ability to develop new cells.

Here are 10 actions successful people follow to stay calm under stress:

• They Appreciate What They Have
• They Avoid Asking “What If?”
• They Stay Positive
• They Disconnect
• They Limit Their Caffeine Intake
• They Sleep
• They Squash Negative Self-Talk
• They Reframe Their Perspective
• They Breathe
• They Use Their Support System

Source: How Successful People Stay Calm