Stress is an unavoidable but prevalent part of our lives, affecting our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. 

From work deadlines to personal problems, stressors are everywhere. 

If not managed properly, stress can be a chronic problem causing a whole slew of issues and repercussions. 

But why does stress seem to affect everyone differently? 

Why might you have the same deadline as six other coworkers, but you respond with a high degree of stress while the others seem like it’s just another day in paradise - waking up to the sun and catching another wave on Oʻahu's North Shore.

You might attest this variance to the fact that everyone is wired a bit differently, or that they aren’t dealing with an ‘xyz number’ of other factors. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, there is an antidote to this type of stress. 

And luckily, we all have the ability to cultivate this agent. 

It is not magic, but works like it. 

It’s called gratitude. 

Gratitude is the act of being thankful for the good things. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of one's life, regardless of how small they may be. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on one's mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, increase resilience, and improve overall well-being.

When we feel stressed, our minds tend to focus on the negative aspects of our lives. We tend to dwell on what's going wrong rather than what's going right. Practicing gratitude can shift our focus from the negative to the positive. It helps us recognize and appreciate all of the good things. 

Expressing gratitude can also improve our relationships and create a positive cycle of reciprocity. When we show gratitude, we are more likely to receive gratitude. This cycle strengthens our connections and provides a continuum of positive effects.  

I know what you are thinking. 

“No way does this psychobabble bull*** work. I’m stressed about my kids, my job, my relationship, my training, my upcoming competition, my projects, my homework, my family, my life… The only cure is a pill or a weekend of altered consciousness.”  

So you’re stressed about your kids? 

Think about how grateful you are for having them. Think about how you’ve been able to see them grow up and how much you’ve been able to share with them. 

You’re stressed about your job?

Think about how amazing it is that you have enough money to provide a home and buy things that allow you to live comfortably. 

You’re stressed about your training and the pressure to perform? 

Think about the small victories, like mastering a new technique or making it through a tough training session.  Think about how far you’ve come and who’s all helped you get there.  Recognize the hard work and dedication they put into helping you improve. 

You’re stressed out?

So what, we all are. 

Find ways to manage it, create systems to mitigate it, and show gratitude to counter it. 

We are always going to battle with challenging times. Times that require physical and mental toughness. On and off the mat, we are in combat. 

So think it. 

Write it. 

Share it.

It’s rational, logical, and when done with genuinity and intention, it is beyond powerful. 

It might just be the ultimate antidote to combat stress.

Own the Process,

Tim

Author & Founder