4 Ways To Effectively Manage 'Collective Stress'
This month has brought about some high-stakes stress situations. Here's how to keep calm amidst the chaos.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | November 11, 2024
It is finally the big week, and it effectively seals the fate of our nation for the next four years. When we anticipate big changes, the world around us can feel like a pressure cooker. That crucial job interview, the championship game, your career-defining presentation—when the stakes are high, stress can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when the event is happening to everyone simultaneously.
However, just because everyone is facing the same challenge does not mean that it is unmanageable. A comprehensive 2020 review from the Journal of Affective Disorders examined the mental health impacts of global crises, finding that individuals who maintained regular routines, engaged in physical activity and sustained social connections tended to cope more effectively in these situations.
These findings reinforce the importance of structured approaches during periods of widespread uncertainty. It's reassuring to know that science-backed techniques can help when facing even the most high-stakes of situations. Here are four research-informed approaches to manage high-stress situations effectively.
1. Practice Present-Moment Techniques
Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword—it's a powerful stress-management tool backed by substantial research. In times of high anxiety, it is essential to know how to stay present in the situation, and mindfulness practices can help you learn how.
A 2023 StatPearls report found that regular mindfulness practice changes how your brain processes stress. When you find yourself facing high-stakes moments, try these techniques to help yourself stay grounded:
- Focus on your breath for two to three minutes
- Notice physical sensations without judgment
- Anchor yourself through contact points with your chair or floor
- Scan your body systematically for tension and consciously release it
- Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique—name five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell and one you taste
These techniques work because they interrupt the stress cycle and bring your attention back to the present moment, reducing anxiety about future outcomes. The research shows that even brief mindfulness exercises can significantly lower cortisol levels and improve cognitive function under pressure.
2. Craft A Personalized Stress Management Protocol
Stress is an inevitable part of life that usually creeps up on you when you least suspect it. Some people seem able to handle stress like water off a duck's back, while the rest of the population seems to struggle. The good news, according to a 2020 article from the Office Of Research On Women's Health, is that resistance can be developed through good planning.
Here are three things you can put in your stress management protocol:
- Build an early warning system. Consider it your personal stress radar. Learn your stress indicators—sweaty palms, racing thoughts or a knot under your chest—track your emotional weather patterns and notice when your behaviors start shifting.
- Craft your response plan. This is your "break glass in case of emergency" kit. List your go-to coping strategies and keep your support crew on speed dial. Set up decision-making guidelines and draw clear boundaries to protect your well-being.
- Plan your recovery strategy, because the aftermath matters, too. Schedule your self-care sessions and process what happened, preferably with someone who excels at listening. Keep notes for next time—because there is always a next time.
Think of this whole framework as your stress-management playbook. The more you use it, the better you handle life's high-stakes moments. After all, while we cannot always control what life throws at us, we can get better at how we choose to receive and react to it.
3. Reframe Your Thoughts, Rewire Your Response
Research shows that how you interpret high-pressure situations directly affects your stress levels. According to a 2019 study by the International Journal of Research and Review, people who view challenges as opportunities rather than threats show significantly lower anxiety levels and better performance outcomes.
It is about looking at the situation differently. When anxiety hits, pause and consciously reshape that mental narrative. Instead of "this presentation could ruin my career," switch to "this is my chance to share my expertise." This is not just positive thinking—it is a technique that alters your stress response.
The key is practicing this reframing regularly, not just during high-pressure moments. Consistent thought restructuring makes positive thinking patterns more automatic over time. Start with small daily challenges—like reframing your response to traffic delays or unexpected work tasks—and build up to bigger situations.
4. Build Your Support System Strategically
There is no substitute for a support system during stressful times. A support system can help you through the worst times by being your shoulder to cry on, showing you novel ways to get through the task, or just being present. And when it comes to support, quality is better than quantity.
Having proper support matters more than having lots of support. A 2021 study from the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction revealed that targeted social support significantly reduces stress during high-stakes situations. Surrounding yourself with the right people during a crisis helps.
Here are some crucial people you can have as part of your support network:
- A mentor who has navigated similar challenges
- A peer who understands the pressure you are facing
- Someone who helps you maintain perspective
- A technical expert, such as a mental health professional, can help with specific advice
- A person who keeps you accountable to your preparation plan
Stress is an inevitable part of life. Having a plan in place can mean your life does not fall apart, regardless of how stressed you are feeling.
Do you have the self-awareness to know when you are stressed? Take this test to find out: Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire
A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.