We all make poor choices. Likely, that’s part of being human. When faced with grueling decisions, we tend to freak out and break down. “But, it’s a good decision, right? Will I regret it later? What could possibly go wrong?” For one thing, there is a massive correlation between the effects of stress on decisions.
Would buying that car be any good? Will investing on a health insurance be enough for my retirement? Should I choose that or this? Well, let’s talk about stress and making decisions under pressure.
Does stress affect your ability to make good decisions?
Stress clouds our minds with impediment doom and failure. Eventually, we’ve become more fearful of the future and what it holds because our decisions today might be wrong. Other people have the power to control their stressors – they’re the ones who get to turn the tables around for their cause. Likewise, they’re also the ones who can calm down and make
Meanwhile, there are those who panic whenever they’re asked to give a verdict. In reality, many of us can actually learn how to handle stress on decision-making. It’s never about the amount of stress you’re having, but rather, how you’re holding up.
In short, you need to control your stress and anxiety attacks when making big decisions. But, how? For instance, here are a few things you can try.
How to improve stress and decision making ability
The influence of stress on decision making is there. It menaces inside your head and rattles you to the core. That is to say, never make big decisions all of the sudden. You must clear your head first if you want something you’re not supposed to regret later on. In detail, here are some tips you can do to calm yourself down.
Step away from it all, breathe, and relax. If something comes up and you need to make a decision pronto, step back, even for a minute to breathe and process everything. Even a minute or two will do. You can do breathing exercises if you’re interested in doing so.
If you can delay your decisions, like a day, it would help a lot. But, you need to give an answer ASAP. Correspondingly, use this time to talk to someone for second opinions or weigh the pros and cons of each decision you make.
Know your choices and the long or short term outcomes. If you’re to make a choice over a certain situation, you must seek out the options following it. One example of a quick decision under pressure is when you need money to pay off hospital bills. By all means, you can opt for a loan as it can solve your worries now. But, in the long run, you’re in debt and have to pay more than the amount given to you.
You can also try borrowing from friends and family, but you have to be careful when doing that. As a result, borrowing money can also mean an end to your relationships. Another option is to get a side job if you’re up to it.
Does it feel right or does it make me feel good? Is it easy or is it hard? Will you steal so you can live off a life of grace and be full of guilt later on? Will you turn down an opportunity because it seems like it’s not doing the community all too good? When you are faced with difficult choices, the first instinct is to hover the one that is easy to do.
But what if it’s not the right thing? Is it good for you and your loved one? Will those who are important to you be affected with the outcome of your decisions?
Weigh in the pros and cons, the risks over the rewards. Will you lose more if you choose option A? Will you gain more but suffer in the end with option B? What will you gain if you choose option C or D? You can mull over other choices and pick the one “less evil” for your situation.
For example, you have to go to Comic Con to sell your works. But, you ended up losing more than you’ve spent. Do you regret your decision? But, what about exposure? My friend had this experience where she lost more than what she could gain in Comic Con. Buuut….she was handed with a business card and a deal to make book covers! It was hard and daunting at first, but I was happy to see that she pulled it off.
Gather confidence, see pattern of the problem, and try using past experiences. I know that every problem is different from your previous ones. But every knowledge and skill you’ve gained along the way can help solve the issues at hand and equip you with better decision-making skills.
Say you’re an IT professional. Your company’s website is experiencing downtime or hosting company crashes. What will you do? Remember, a website crash can lose you money! Will you call your hosting company? Create a backup hosting service provider (seriously, in the middle of a crash?), or respond to client’s needs manually. Your call.
Never let stress, anxiety, or jealousy get in the way of making decisions. So, your friend is getting married, or your rival is hitting up the promotion. Just because it’s their moment, there’s no need to do something hasty like getting yourself an SO or do a last-minute prep for a company event.
When you’re stressed, you’ll be feeling a little competitive, biter, or angry. You’ll be feeling more ambitious and choose whatever decision that makes you look good. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve spent more than I can earn and ended up wallowing in debt.
Allot 30 minutes every day to de-stress. Use this time to reflect, listen to music, drink tea, and walk around. These things can make you feel relaxed and pumped up to do the tasks for the day. Additionally, if you’re calm, you are more ready to tackle decisions and be less perturbed about it.
Being unruffled in life can help you make smart and rational decisions. Surely, t
Forced to think on your feet?
Making decisions under pressure can be overwhelming. Some choices are easier to make as they don’t have any dire consequences attached to it (like picking an outfit for the day). But those decisions that come with a lot of stake can rattle you off your feet.
Staying calm and composed is the best way to fend off bad judgment. Try following the tips above and avoid having an anxiety attack every time you’re forced to make a decision. What do you say?
