The end of the year fills most men’s heads with new goals and dreams but sadly few do enough thinking, reenvisioning and rethinking. What if the activity before we leave 2025 is to become more instead of getting more by the end of this year point? I find it interesting how each year we get into the same rut — the pressure, the plan making, the promise making — but what a man’s life changes with is not what he resolves to do January 1st. It is what he resolves upon before the end of December 31st. Here are 10 things that you can do before we leave 2025 and plunge into the year 2026 with vigor, perception, and self-respect — the things backed up by the facts of science, wisdom and practicalities. 1. Audit Your Life, Not Just Your Year Before you set new goals, sit with your journal and ask: What drained my energy this year? What made me feel truly alive? This kind of reflection helps you align your direction with your truth. 📘 Inspired by : “ The Mountain Is You ” by B...
Stress is not your enemy; unmanaged stress is. In a world that rewards hustle and constant achievement, it's easy to forget that our minds and bodies are not machines. The truth is, chronic stress can affect our brain, immune system, sleep, and overall well-being. But the good news? You can learn how to manage it effectively using tools backed by science and reinforced by wisdom from some of the world’s most insightful thinkers.
1. Understand What Stress Really Is
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines stress as the physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors. In small doses, it sharpens focus and boosts performance. But when prolonged, it leads to burnout, anxiety, and even physical illness.
Medical research conducted by Dr. Hans Selye in the 1930s introduced the "General Adaptation Syndrome," describing how the body responds to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The longer you stay in the resistance phase, the higher your risk of fatigue, depression, and disease.
2. Adopt Realistic Goal Setting (Control Time or Task, Not Both)
One of the leading causes of stress in our productivity-driven culture is unrealistic goal-setting. As author Cal Newport (Deep Work) argues, focus and clarity yield better results than multitasking or pressure-laden timelines.
"The mind knows unreal goals are impossible, reducing the incentive to even try."
Here's the golden rule: Control time or task—not both.
●If you choose to control time, say, "I'll work on this for 3 hours," regardless of how much gets done.
●If you choose to control the task, say, "I'll finish this, no matter how long it takes."
But trying to say, "I'll finish this entire project in 3 hours" creates internal tension and mental paralysis. Your brain feels cornered—and the stress compounds.
3. Insights from Famous Writers on Stress Management
🔵 Ryan Holiday – The Obstacle Is the Way
"The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition."
Holiday, inspired by Stoic philosophy, recommends facing stress with acceptance and calm. Stress is not the enemy but the fire that strengthens.
🔵 James Clear – Atomic Habits
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
James Clear emphasizes that micro-habits, not motivation, are the antidote to overwhelm. Build systems that reduce friction and create peace.
🔵 Viktor E. Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
Frankl's profound insight is that meaning can make stress bearable. Purpose transforms pain into growth.
🔵 Mark Manson – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F"***
"You can't be an important and life-changing presence for some people without also being a joke and an embarrassment to others."
Manson reminds us to choose what truly matters. Most stress stems from over-caring about trivial opinions or outcomes.
🔵 Brené Brown – Daring Greatly
"Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change."
Accepting our emotional range, including stress, allows us to grow. Denial leads to internal storms.
4. Scientific Tools and Practices That Help
🧘♂️ Deep Breathing & Meditation: Harvard Medical School research shows deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol.
🤸 Physical Activity: Exercise boosts endorphins, known as natural stress relievers. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes of daily activity.
😴 Sleep Hygiene: Stanford research confirms poor sleep exacerbates stress. Aim for 7–9 hours of high-quality rest.
📵 Digital Detox: Constant notifications spike anxiety. Limit screen time, especially before bed.
🤝 Gratitude Practice: Studies from UC Berkeley show that journaling three good things per day improves mental resilience.
5. Your Action Plan: How to Start Managing Stress Today
●Step 1: Write down your top 3 stress triggers. Be honest.
●Step 2: Decide if you’ll control the time or the task.
●Step 3: Adopt one tiny habit (e.g., 5-minute morning breathwork).
●Step 4: Re-read one quote above daily.
●Step 5: Celebrate small progress—this wires the brain to expect success.
✉️ Conclusion
Stress is part of life, but how you relate to it defines your future. With the wisdom of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, you don’t just cope with stress—you grow through it.
As Marcus Aurelius once said:
"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it."
Let that be your reminder.
Thank you for reading! If you found this blog useful and want to read books mentionedin the blog, you can support my work by clicking my affiliate link. Either way, I appreciate you being here.
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