Unstressed-Stressed

🧠 Ever made a bad decision when you’ve been stressed?

Here’s the science, and what to do with it — so you can improve your decision-making and critical thinking 👇

🧠 The science: Acute stress triggers the release of cortisol, and while cortisol helps you respond to immediate threats, an excessive amount can hamper areas of your brain you rely on for executive function, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

This interference can distort your perception of risk, impair your ability to weigh pros and cons and make you more susceptible to biases. It can make you irrational and impulsive, rob you of long-term thinking and the appreciation of consequences.

✅ What to do next time:

1. Recognize your stress signals: By understanding your body’s response to stress (e.g., increased heart rate, or reactivity), you can identify when you’re in its grip and then take steps to alleviate it.

2. Take a break: If possible, avoid making decisions when you’re stressed. A short break can help you reset and get a clearer perspective. Getting outside, or going for a short walk can help you regain cognitive composure.

(You might also find the HALT acronym useful: if you’re feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, it’s best to pause before making an important decision.)

3. Breathing exercises: If you feel stressed, focusing on and slowing your breath can have a profound effect, helping you lower your cortisol levels, and return your body to a calmer state, paving the way for better decision-making.

🏅 The real key lies in mastering your nervous system – learning how to regulate your physiology, master your emotions, and shift your mental state.

These skills take time to develop – but they can be life-changing.