“When the going gets tough the tough get going”.
This cliché probably rings in your mind from the countless movies and TV shows, as a call to action, when the characters are faced with extreme challenges.
Since success leaves clues and knowing how to adapt to stress is always going to serve you well…
Let’s take a closer look at how successful people win during tough times.
1. Get a good night sleep
Sleep is an active process that allows the body and brain to repair and become more resilient. Six – nine hours a night of uninterrupted sleep improves insulin resistance, strengthens the immune system and mitigates stress.
2. Set an alarm
While under sleeping is a well-known problem, oversleeping also has negative health effects such as headaches, back pain and premature aging.
You don’t need to join the 5 am club in order to feel better but having a morning routine is an extremely beneficial kick start to a productive day.
3. Hydrate
Drinking enough water has a significant effect on appetite, energy levels and brain function, as well as digestion and skin health.
4. Ditch the sugar
Too much sugar can cause a decrease in energy levels and can destroy good bacteria in your gut.
Sugar consumption may also negatively affect the brain and alter the body’s ability to process stress appropriately.
5. Eat to nourish
Focusing on real food first is a baseline recommendation ALL the time…it’s not only something successful people do during stressful times!
Start by focusing on adequate amounts of protein, which will help keep you full and curb cravings.
6. Get fresh air
Fresh air can reduce stress, boost oxygen levels to the brain and improve one’s mood by increasing serotonin.
Start by taking a daily walk… you’ll immediately witness the benefits.
7. Move everyday
When life becomes increasingly stressful, exercising doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplify your activities in order to create consistency.
Movement improves blood flow to the brain, releases endorphins and lowers your level of stress hormones.
8. Connection
It’s common to turn inward when times are tough.
The most success people recognize this tendency early and connect with someone they love, connect with a colleague or with someone who can support and coach them through a crisis.
9. Limit screen time
Reducing screen time is easier said than done, especially when successful people most often use technology in their pursuit of success.
At the very least, limit screen time in the evenings, especially before bed, as blue light disturbs melatonin production and can interfere with getting a good night sleep, which as we know, is one of the keys to success.
10. Avoid excessive pressure
Having high expectations is a common quality among high achievers but so is staying in touch with reality.
Having a vision, a plan and staying focused on the task at hand allows for the best combination of productivity, sanity and success!
What actions and habits have you found to aid in your success when times are tough?
Dr. Michael Gibson has committed himself to helping others to live the best life possible. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Masters of Science in Chiropractic Sports Science from Life University. He is the co-creator of Life By Design, owner of The Wellness Group, and co-owner of CrossFit 613. His passion for empowering families runs deep. After experiencing the loss of his sister due to illness, Michael’s purpose became reaching and teaching as many as possible the foundational principles of an extraordinary life. Since that time he has passionately pursued and been successful in living out his dream. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, a full speaking schedule and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.
