Stress is part of life — there’s no avoiding that. Whether it’s work deadlines, personal challenges, or just the daily grind, stress can hit us in all sorts of ways. The thing that really sets people apart is how they handle it. Some people let stress take over and spiral, while others seem to manage it like a pro. If you’re someone who can handle stress without letting it overwhelm you, it’s worth recognising the signs of your resilience. Here’s how to know if you’ve got stress under control and don’t let it get the better of you.
1. You stay calm when things get hectic.
When life feels like it’s throwing terrible things at you left and right, you don’t panic. Sure, things might get tense, but you’re able to stay grounded. You don’t let your emotions run wild, and instead, you take a step back to process what’s happening. This doesn’t mean you’re immune to stress, but you don’t let it overtake you. You keep your cool and take things one step at a time.
2. You take breaks when you need them.
You know the value of stepping away when things get too intense. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block, a five-minute breather, or even just turning off your phone for a bit, you understand that sometimes the best way to handle stress is to give yourself a moment to recharge. You don’t push through exhaustion or frustration. You know when it’s time to hit pause and let yourself reset.
3. You don’t let problems build up.
Instead of letting stress accumulate over time, you handle issues as they come. You don’t let little annoyances snowball into something bigger. If something’s bothering you, you deal with it head-on. Whether it’s addressing a work concern, sorting out a personal issue, or just venting to a friend, you’re good at taking care of things before they become overwhelming.
4. You’ve learned to let go of perfectionism.
It’s not about doing everything flawlessly; it’s about doing your best and knowing that’s enough. You’ve learned that being perfect is unrealistic, and you don’t let the pressure of perfection overwhelm you. Whether it’s work or personal goals, you understand that progress is more important than perfection, and that mindset helps you stay calm in stressful situations.
5. You manage your time well.
You’re not constantly running late, scrambling to meet deadlines, or feeling like you’re always behind. You’ve got a handle on your schedule, and you know how to prioritise tasks without feeling the need to rush through everything. You understand that managing your time wisely is key to avoiding unnecessary stress, and you’re pretty good at staying on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
6. You focus on solutions, not problems.
When something goes wrong, you don’t dwell on the problem. Instead, you focus on finding a solution. You’re good at looking at the bigger picture and figuring out how to move forward, rather than staying stuck in what went wrong. This proactive mindset keeps stress from piling up because you’re focused on what you can do next rather than what’s already happened.
7. You have healthy coping mechanisms.
Everyone has their stress triggers, but you’ve figured out what works for you when things get tough. Whether it’s exercise, journaling, talking things out with a friend, or practising mindfulness, you know how to take care of your mental health when life gets overwhelming. These coping strategies help you release tension and regain control.
8. You can say no when you need to.
You don’t take on every request that comes your way, and you’ve learned to say no without feeling guilty. You know that saying yes to everything can lead to burnout, so you’ve mastered the art of setting boundaries. You respect your time and energy, and you’re not afraid to let people know when you need to protect your peace.
9. You’ve got a good support system.
You know that you don’t have to go it alone. When stress hits, you have people in your corner who can offer support, whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or even a mentor. You’re not afraid to lean on other people for help when you need it, and you recognise the value of having a solid support system to help you weather stressful moments.
10. You take care of your body.
You know that physical health and mental health are deeply connected, so you make sure to look after both. You get enough sleep, eat well, and move your body regularly. Exercise is a great way to manage stress, and you’ve made it a priority. When your body feels good, your mind is more resilient, and that helps you manage stress with a clearer head.
11. You know when to ask for help.
You’re not afraid to ask for help when things get overwhelming. Whether it’s reaching out to a colleague for support or talking to a therapist, you know that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’ve realised that it’s okay to lean on other people when you need it, and doing so helps you stay grounded in stressful times.
12. You let yourself rest without guilt.
You understand that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When you feel mentally drained or physically tired, you don’t push through it. You take the time to rest, recharge, and take care of yourself without feeling guilty. Whether it’s a quiet evening in, a nap, or a day off, you recognise that rest helps you come back stronger and better able to handle whatever comes your way.
13. You stay focused on the present.
You don’t let yourself get lost in what-ifs or future worries. Instead, you focus on what’s happening right now. Whether it’s at work, in a personal situation, or even in a social setting, you stay present and engaged in the moment. This helps you manage stress because you’re not bogged down by fears of what might happen later. You take things one step at a time, and that keeps you grounded.
14. You celebrate small victories.
You don’t wait until everything is perfect to give yourself credit. When you accomplish something, big or small, you take a moment to celebrate. Whether it’s completing a project, handling a stressful situation, or simply getting through the day, you recognise your progress. The practice of celebrating small wins helps you stay motivated and reduces the impact of stress because you’re focusing on what’s going right.
15. You offer yourself a bit of grace and compassion when you need it.
You know that stress is part of life, and sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Instead of beating yourself up over it, you show yourself some compassion. You don’t hold yourself to impossible standards or expect perfection. When you make mistakes or face setbacks, you’re kind to yourself. You understand that you’re doing the best you can, and that mindset helps you bounce back from stress more easily.
