How healthy thinkers respond in stressful times

BY DR. ROBERT E. FOWLER

Everyone goes through times when they are stretched, stress abounds and things seem like they are going backward for a while. It could be a crisis or an exceptionally busy season. It could be internal or external issues causing the stressful times. During these seasons, healthy thinking is more critical than ever.

Healthy thinkers know that the way they respond to stress will directly impact their lives and everyone involved with them.

Here are five mature ways for a healthy thinker respond during stressful times:

A level head

Healthy thinkers are calm in a crisis. Trying times test people, families and organizations — and healthy thinking adds calmness to the situation, helping assure people that everything will be OK. This does not mean giving false hope, and people should understand reality. But it does mean helping people find a sense of balance in the midst of what may seem hopeless to them.

Steadfastness

There will always be temptations to give up under stress. Healthy thinking walks by faith and keeps the agendas moving. Healthy thinkers stand firm through good and bad times.

Integrity

Character is tested during stressful times. Healthy thinkers must remain unquestioned in their integrity — for their personal stability and that of their organization. People will watch to see how you respond. This is why we must strive to be above reproach.

Strategic thinking

Decisions are harder to make, but exceedingly more important, during stressful times. Healthy thinkers think strategically for themselves and for organizations they are helping to lead. By doing so, they move circumstances toward clarity and progress.

Personal well-being

Remaining healthy personally is necessary in order to continue to lead and be effective personally and within an organization. There will be a tendency to overcompensate — like never leaving the office — during times of stress, but healthy thinkers must continue to exercise, eat well, and be disciplined in rest. It is important to guard your heart spiritually, knowing that temptation is especially powerful under duress. An individual’s health directly impacts the health of those around him.