Squash Stress With a Fist

Posted: November 01, 2013

Handling stress can be difficult. There are actions that we take believing they help in stressful situations, however they may do more harm than good. Learn how one simple action can help you handle a stressful situation.

[caption id="attachment_11621" align="alignright" width="600"]Stephen GuiseImage from Dumb Little Man[/caption], a featured writer at Dumb Little Man, shares a simple way to better perform under pressure.

Do You Know This Scientific Solution For Performing Well Under Pressure?

Sitting next to her in precalculus class, I was very nervous. I had never asked a girl out before.

As I forced myself to ask her if she'd "like to go bowling with me sometime," I spaced out mentally. Luckily, she said yes, which made me feel a strange mix of euphoria and nervousness, and I think I smiled and squeaked out a few words of approval. My mind was spinning with too many thoughts. Why? I really liked her and didn't want to look stupid, which increased my chances of looking stupid, because the pressure I placed on myself gave me difficulties with routine things like speaking and thinking clearly.

But when we watch movies, the hero always seems to know what to do and often does it with perfect, calm execution. We tend to glorify those who can withstand high pressure and perform well, whether on film or in real life. Perhaps it speaks to a common fear people share - ruining a golden opportunity with everyone watching. We all want to execute like clutch athletes in sports, suave romantics, and gifted public speakers.

How is it that some people do so well under pressure while others visibly shake?

Those who thrive under pressure seem to act as if the pressure doesn't exist.

What if I told you there was a simple action anyone can take to deflate a high pressure situation? Such a simple action exists, and it's based on a 2013 study that suggests high-pressure performance depends on which side of the brain you rely on.

Read the entire article Do You Know This Scientific Solution For Performing Well Under Pressure? on Dumb Little Man.