A Simple Mantra to Calm Modern Stress
how to deal with "meta-stress," plus a fantastic new novel, the miracle product you already own, and a trick to reclaim two days per year!
Each time a new notification flashes across my phone screen, my neck and shoulders stiffen with anxiety. When the message turns out to be from a friend, the relief is immense…
Technology, and its ability to alert, remind, and hijack our attention, triggers our ancient fight-or-flight responses. Studies show that a constant stream of alarming news contributes to a uniquely modern affliction: “meta-stress,” or stress about being stressed.
Lately, I’ve been using a very simple mantra to manage this kind of anxiety.
I learned it years ago, when I worked in the everything-is-urgent world of investment banking. My Inbox and voicemail received thousands of notifications each day: managing the flow was a herculean effort; dealing with their demands was the crux of my job.
My manager was among the most senior people at the firm, and consequently, the decision-maker on myriad matters. But he obstinately refused to comply with the general atmosphere of crisis-level-importance. He remained relaxed while declining to accede to other people’s deadlines and took his time before deciding on the best course of action.
When I needed to check things off my to-do list, my manager’s approach was infuriating. But his attitude then has become my mantra now:
