6 ways highly successful people deal with everyday stress and anxiety, says psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

Let’s face it—stress and anxiety are part of life, even for the most successful among us.

In fact, highly successful people often face more pressure and responsibility than most, yet they manage to keep it together and thrive. So, what’s their secret?

Well, it turns out that handling stress isn’t about ignoring it; it’s about adopting smart strategies that help you cope, reset, and stay productive.

Today, we’re diving into some key ways highly successful people manage the stress of daily life.

Let’s get to ‘em.

1) They practice mindfulness

If you’re a regular reader here on Personal Branding Blog, you’ll know I’m a huge advocate for mindfulness.

When I was building Hack Spirit, mindfulness was what kept me grounded and able to face the intense challenges that came my way. What I didn’t realize at the time was that mindfulness is also a go-to practice for countless successful people—from J.K. Rowling to Shaquille O’Neal.

And it’s no wonder. Experts have found that mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and stress levels, making it a powerful tool for mental resilience.

By focusing on the present moment and calming the mind, highly successful people use mindfulness to tackle stress head-on, helping them stay clear-headed, balanced, and ready to take on whatever life throws their way.

2) They exercise

Picture this: you’re buried in work, deadlines are looming, and the last thing you feel like doing is heading to the gym. How easy is it to skip that workout?

Well, successful people know better—they don’t let their exercise routine fall by the wayside, even on their busiest days.

As noted by the folks at Mayo Clinic, “exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever,” helping to clear the mind, boost endorphins, and reduce overall anxiety.

Success and exercise are closely linked too. Socioeconomist Randall Bell, who has spent over 25 years studying the habits of successful people, found that “those who exercised, even for 15 minutes a day, dominated statistically in every single measure of success.”

For highly successful people, exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s a mental reset that keeps them sharp, focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.

3) They embrace a growth mindset

Another thing I’ve found is that highly successful people usually embrace what’s known as a growth mindset. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence.

Instead of avoiding challenges, they relish them as opportunities to learn and grow.

This mindset directly impacts how they handle stress and anxiety. Instead of being overwhelmed, they’re more likely to take productive action, learn from the experience, and emerge stronger.

Carol Dweck herself explains this beautifully: “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

4) They allow themselves to disconnect

This might sound counterintuitive—especially when we think of successful people as relentlessly dedicated to their goals.

But the truth is, they understand the importance of disconnecting. In a world of constant notifications and endless information, taking time away is essential.

Whether it’s turning off their devices, practicing meditation, or spending time in nature, highly successful people know the value of stepping back from the hustle.

As noted by experts at Psychology Today, “Information overload can lead to real feelings of anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and powerless, and mental fatigue.” By disconnecting, they give their minds the chance to recharge, improve focus, and relieve stress.

This break from the noise creates space for creativity and innovation—key ingredients for lasting success.

5) They practice gratitude

As noted by CNBC, gratitude is a daily habit for highly successful individuals like Arianna Huffington, Tony Robbins, and Oprah. Why?

Because, gratitude is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to what’s right, promoting feelings of happiness and contentment.

As so well put by author Melody Beattie,  “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”

I’ve experienced the benefits of this firsthand.

A few years ago, I started a gratitude journal, writing down three things I was grateful for each day. This simple practice changed my perspective and helped me appreciate the small joys and victories in life. As I focused on what was going well, I noticed a positive shift in my mindset and resilience.

I encourage you to give it a try. Start small—grab a notebook and jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. They don’t have to be big or life-changing; it could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, a great conversation, or the feeling of fresh air.

You might be surprised by how quickly this small habit can shift your perspective and boost your overall sense of well-being.

6) They build strong support networks

Last but not least, highly successful people know they don’t have to go it alone.

Building a network of supportive friends, mentors, and peers helps them manage stress and find perspective when things get tough. When challenges arise, having people to lean on can provide encouragement, fresh ideas, and a reminder that they’re not in it alone.

If you haven’t already, consider building your own support network. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, seeking mentorship, or simply joining a community of like-minded individuals, strong relationships can be a powerful antidote to stress.

Success is rarely a solo journey, and having people in your corner can make all the difference.

In conclusion: It’s all about balance

Stress and anxiety are part of life, but how we manage them makes all the difference.

Highly successful people don’t let stress run their lives; they’ve developed effective strategies to keep it in check, stay focused, and continue moving forward.

By adopting practices like mindfulness, regular exercise, a growth mindset, and gratitude, you can start to handle stress in a healthier way too. These aren’t quick fixes, but small, intentional changes that build resilience and help you tackle challenges with a clear head.

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