{"id":48,"date":"2016-01-18T13:12:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-18T13:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/archprofile.com\/archprofile_blog\/?p=48"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:58:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T15:58:35","slug":"stress-series-practical-ways-to-stay-calm-under-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archprofile.com\/archprofile_blog\/?p=48","title":{"rendered":"Stress Series: Practical Ways to Stay Calm Under Pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question: <\/strong>When you’re stressed out, how tempting would it be to tell that nightmare client exactly what you think of them\u2014complete with every colorful swear word in your vocabulary? Or to let management know exactly where they can stick those “stretch targets”?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer: <\/strong>Incredibly cathartic in theory, career-ending in practice. As satisfying as it might feel in the moment, it will most likely lead to unemployment and a reputation you don’t want. Thankfully, there are smarter, safer, and way more effective ways to blow off steam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some stress-busting exercises that actually work\u2014no profanity required. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise 1: Small Changes, Big Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take a good look at your lifestyle and work approach. Is there anything you are currently doing that may be increasing your stress level? If so, try to implement some small modifications in your day-to-day habits. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating Habits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stressor:<\/strong> I skip breakfast. By mid-morning I’m “hangry” and distacted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Change:<\/strong> Prep breakfast the night before\u2014something quick but filling, like a sandwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lifestyle Habits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stressor:<\/strong> I always feel rushed in the morning. By the time I get out of bed, shower, and get dressed, it’s already time to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Change:<\/strong> Set my alarm 20 minutes earlier (and maybe go to bed 20 minutes earlier too). That little shift won’t wreck my sleep, but it gives me extra breathing room so I don’t start the day in a panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work Habits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stressor:<\/strong> Without the pressure of a looming deadline, I procrastinate. Then I’m left scrambling at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Change:<\/strong> Set an artificial deadline a few days before the real one. That creates a buffer for the unexpected and motivates me to start earlier instead of waiting until the eleventh hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise 2: Know Your Triggers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stress is a lot like a fast-growing vine: leave it unchecked, and it’ll wrap itself around everything\u2014your focus, your work, even your relationships. The best way to stop it from taking over? Nip it in the bud by figuring out exactly what’s feeding it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a quick exercise to uncover your top stress triggers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. List 10 stressors<\/strong> at work that push your buttons. Don’t overthink it\u2014just jot down whatever comes to mind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Rate each one twice<\/strong>:\n