"Your brain and body can perform under pressure." - "The Good News About Stress. Susan Charles, National Geographic's "The Science of Stress." Page 8.
It’s race day, the start of my triathlon, and I’m feeling unusually calm. Of course, I took not one, but two capsules of my favorite stress-relieving supplement to prevent a panic attack during the open-water swim. It worked, maybe a little too well.
You see, the natural excitement and anxiety of a race boost cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine—those high-performance hormones that make us hyper-focused, fast, and capable of solving problems in the heat of the moment. These hormones are exactly what you need when you’re navigating the chaos of a crowded swim, with kicking legs, churning water, and flailing arms all around.
That day, I learned an important lesson. I was hit in the face by one swimmer, knocking my goggles off. Then another swimmer kicked me in the stomach, taking the wind out of me. Instead of speeding up or pushing through, I found myself holding onto a kayak, thinking, “I just don’t have it in me right now.”
I had suppressed my stress response, and it backfired. What I really needed in that moment was the adrenaline and cortisol to power through. These hormones are key to performing under pressure—not just surviving, but showing up at your best.
Next time, I won’t take two capsules of my cortisol suppressant, because I want to harness that anxiety and transform it into power.
It reminds me of an Olympian who was asked if they felt anxious before competing. Their answer? “No, I’m excited.” They didn’t see stress as an enemy—they saw it as energy.
So, can you channel your stress into something useful, maybe even exciting?
Can you train your brain to thrive under pressure, whether it’s a high-stakes presentation or a critical meeting?
Absolutely. I believe you can.
By shifting your perception of stress—from something “bad” or “out of control” to a fuel for peak performance—you can reduce its negative effects and use it to your advantage.
Remember, not all stress is harmful. In fact, when used wisely, it can help you reach your goals.
—Dr. Lexi
To learn more about Dr. Lexi's course on calming stress and feeling rejuvenated, please see the following: Get Your Spark Back - For busy professionals
Is a course too daunting right now? Check out this quick guide to "Thrive! Don't just survive!"
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