Some stressors are dragons you can slay. Others? You learn to ride them.
Understanding which stressors you can influence—and which you can’t—is a game changer. Researchers note that people who distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable stressors experience better psychological resilience and lower cortisol levels (Park & Folkman, 1997). Trying to control the uncontrollable (like others’ behavior or the past) adds more stress. Instead, channeling energy toward stressors within your influence (like how you manage time or boundaries) lightens your mental load. This distinction isn’t about giving up—it’s about growing wiser.
Action Step:
From your stress audit, mark each item with “I” (influence) or “A” (adapt). Then review how your energy is currently divided.