We All Get Stressed. Why Do Some Of Us Handle It Better Than Others?

Studies show we’re more anxious and stressed out than at any other time on record — but how each of us responds to those feelings has a lot to do with how effectively we can live our lives.

Accepting what you can’t change

Sometimes the stress we feel is due to situations that are, at least in part, under our control. In these cases, it’s important to take positive steps toward a resolution.

But many other sources of anxiety are rooted in uncertainty and perceived helplessness. On a personal level, this could include anything from health to finances.

And studies show that for many of us, the biggest contributors of stress are national if not global problems completely outside of our individual influence. Researchers say some of the most common issues include:

• Climate change
• Political division
• Global unrest

Any of these, and countless others, are arguably pretty good reasons to feel stress. What really makes the difference, however, is how you respond to that stress.

Learning all the right strategies

Making peace with the fact that you can’t control a stressful situation is easier said than done. Fortunately, scientists say there are a few fairly simple steps anyone can take to achieve better results that will only continue to improve over time.

Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine research psychologist Judith Moskowitz, has identified a number of such strategies over the course of two decades of research.

You might have guessed some of them, including mindfulness exercises and self-compassion, but Northwestern is teaming up with NPR for a newsletter aimed at giving people the tools to change their anxiety responses for the better.

“We really have built a pretty large body of research showing that these skills can work for anyone, no matter what type of stress they’re experiencing,” Moskowitz concluded.

Chris Agee September 30th, 2024

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