Here's a reality of life you've probably already realized: stress happens. And in our "avoid it all costs" society, it can be hard to accept that stress is actually a normal part of life. Our bodies and brains are finely-tuned and phenomenal things - designed to help us cope with stress and keep going no matter what. The issues come when we are unable to regulate our stress, and it spirals out of control. But if you can learn how to manage - and even embrace - stress, you can use it to your advantage to help fuel creativity and productivity. To get started on this journey of learning how to better manage stress, I've pulled together a list of my favorite TED Talks to help get you going.

Some of My 7 Favorite TED Talks To Help You Manage and Master Your Stress

One of my favorite ways to learn is by "standing on the shoulders of giants" - finding those unique individuals who have come before and using their experience and wisdom to give you a leg up. That's why I love TED Talks - they provide an excellent opportunity to learn from people who have gone through the trenches and come out successful. So without further ado, here are my top 7 favorite TED talks to help you manage your stress:

How to Make Stress Your Friend by Kelly McGonigal

In this talk, Kelly McGonigal explains how we can use our body's natural response to stress as an opportunity to become more resilient and successful. She explains how to turn the physical sensations of stress into a signal that we are in a challenging situation and need to focus and use our skills to get through it.

Got a Meeting? Take a Walk. By Nilofer Merchant

Have you ever found yourself stressed out during a meeting? Maybe it's a tense talk with shareholders or a follow-up with an anxious client. Nilofer Merchant shares her experience of how taking a walk during meetings can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Her talk illustrates why I offer local coaching clients a “hike and coach” option.

The Psychology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Joelle Rabow Maletis

We often think of PTSD as something only soldiers experience, but anyone who has gone through a traumatic event can suffer from it. Joelle Rabow Maletis explores the psychological effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and some of the unique ways you can learn to manage its impacts. Supportive relationships are crucial in this process.

How to Stay Calm When You Know You Will Be Stressed by Daniel Levitin

When you know you're about to be in a stressful situation, it can be challenging to stay calm and collected. Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin has a solution: the pre-mortem. This proactive approach involves taking the time to anticipate potential problems before they arise - and making a game plan for handling them. His talk reminds me to have intentional conversations about possible stressors before they happen.

How to Protect Your Brain from Stress by Niki Korteweg

In her talk, Niki Korteweg explores the devastating effects of chronic stress on our brains and provides tips for managing it to protect our mental health. She explains that the longer stress persists, the more damage it can do to our brain health - and what we can all do to regain our mental state. Her talk reminds me about four fundamentals for managing stress: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindset.

It’s About Time to Learn to Manage Stress by Brenda Strong

In her talk, Emmy-nominated actress Brenda Strong highlights the importance of managing stress levels to maintain mental and physical health. As a certified yoga instructor, Brenda has developed her own approach to destressing, which she shares with the audience. Her talk reminds me of the power that comes with saying, “I choose.”

All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andi Puddecombe

Do you have ten minutes to recalibrate your mind and soul? Andy Puddicombe explains the power of mindfulness meditation to reduce stress levels, improve focus, and increase overall well-being. If you don’t have 10 minutes, then just breathe.

Don't Run From Stress - Learn How To Harness Its Potential

Our culture has become increasingly scared of stress - but in reality, it doesn't have to be our enemy. With the right perspective and strategies, stress can be an incredible fuel for creativity and productivity. So if you're looking to learn how to better manage your stress and use it as a force for good, I recommend checking out these TED talks! They definitely helped me, and I'm sure they'll help you too. If you'd like to chat more about how to turn stress into a positive force in your life, reach out to me today! I'm proud to work with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and everyday heroes to help them master the stress and burdens of leadership. Together, we can walk toward a freer, more powerful future with the help of proven techniques and tools.

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