Can you really control yourself in times of stress?

Question

I found out that i'm really bad at thinking when under pressure , like time pressure , exams , and the likes. So I try to calm down , take deep breath , and generally lower my anxiety.
But it got me thinking about whatever this is the right course of action. Am I loosing some insights that I could only get when I'm under pressure?

Answer 1

Some people do find it harder to concentrait while being stressed out. You could try boosting your confidence - i.e. studying for an exam so you wont worry as much while taking it or just take it one step at a time - don't worry about what you've just done or what you'll have to do next, focus only on what you're doing.
While people may find it harder to concentrait, it's only psychobabble that you lose insights because of stress. Don't worry, being stressed out wont suddenly make you forget something you knew an hour before.

Answer 2

Perhaps you should not try to think while under pressure if it is not for you. Perhaps you need to remove yourself from the pressure and let those who are able to do so deal with it. I find it easier to think ahead so that when I'm in the pressure or stressful zone I already have calculated and prepared what to do so that in that form, my way of managing certain pressures. I too cannot think well under pressure. Some can and some cant. Know yourself well enough and with some foresight plan your behavior accordingly.

Answer 3

You have more control than you might realize. I should say, even if you can't control/eliminate the stress itself, you can change your reaction to it. The deep breath you mention is, believe it or not, a great first step. There's nothing "new age-y" about the concept that being aware of and controlling your breathing is one way to deal with stress. Here's a simple breathing exercise you can try:

http://www.potential4life.com/breathing_practice.html

Insofar as insights are concerned, one of the most helpful that you could gain would be body awareness, that is to say, how your body is responding and in turn, how you feel about your body's response. That's where somatic practices such as breathing exercises are quite helpful.

Answer 4

Stress is an 'addiction'. You've gotten you mind and body use to the idea that they function better under stress, soooooo. You can break that cycle by thinking and training your mind to act the way you want it to. Think it, be it.

Answer 5

Check out ( http://www.reducingstress.net )
They have great information and help for when you are stressed.

Answer 6

You can do anything you tell yourself you can do.

Answer 7

no,,,,, i am just afraid

Answer 8

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