Stress Is So 2014: Here’s How to Leave It Behind
Burak Sarac
IT Support & Solutions Expert for Creative Businesses | Life & Tech Blogger | Animal Lover | Live Music & Arts Fan | Amateur Vegan Chef | Nature Enthusiast | CEO
As I clenched my jaw, braving the Chicago cold on my way to my favorite coffee shop, I had a million topics swirling in my head. Then it hit me—this is the very last message of 2024.
It needs to be about something important.
It needs to be about you, me, and all of us.
About how we navigate life and often let ourselves get beaten down by how we react to what happens to us.
Stress Is Everywhere
I recently completed a mini-course called “How to Become Unstressable.” It was packed with tips and tricks, but what truly shocked me was just how widespread chronic stress is and how damaging it can be to our mental and physical health.
Chronic Stress Is Common
Think about it:
? Squeezing the steering wheel during bad traffic. ? Fuming while waiting on hold for customer support.
Even these everyday annoyances can trigger your brain to release cortisol—the stress hormone that puts your body into fight-or-flight mode.
Now, cortisol and adrenaline were lifesavers for our ancestors when they needed to outrun a tiger. But today? ?
Our “tigers” look a little different:
? A harsh comment from a coworker. ? An argument with a family member.
The result? Our brains treat these micro-stressors as life-threatening emergencies. When they pile up back-to-back, the stress can linger for weeks, months, or even years.
Chronic Stress Is Damaging
Your body’s stress response is like an energy boost—it speeds up your heart rate, slows digestion, and floods your brain with oxygen to deal with danger. But here’s the catch:
Recovery is key.
For your brain, hormones, immune system, and nervous system to return to a healthy baseline, your survival brain needs to feel safe. Chronic stress blocks this process entirely.
Instead of long-term healing, your body focuses on short-term survival:
? Pumping out stress hormones. ? Shutting down your body's growth and repair processes.
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The result? You’re left more vulnerable to everything from the common cold to serious illnesses like cancer. Chronic stress literally stops your mind and body from healing and repairing itself.
Chronic Stress Can Be Prevented
By the time you get to work most mornings, you’ve likely been exposed to 20–25 stressors—and many of them are preventable.
Here’s a common scenario:
By the time you’re out the door, you’re already stressed, and the day hasn’t even started.
How to Tackle Nuisances and Noise
Most of your daily stress falls into two categories:
You are in charge of limiting or eliminating nuisances:
? Hate your commute? Explore remote work options or make your commute enjoyable by listening to an engaging podcast. ? Stressed by your alarm every morning? Switch to one with a more soothing sound, and while you’re at it, go to bed earlier to wake up feeling refreshed.
Noise is trickier—it’s about investing in yourself.
? Exercise: Start your day with something that gets your heart pumping. ? Meditation: Give your mind space to breathe. ? Growth: Work on areas where you feel weak—take a class, try a hobby, or set small personal goals.
Doing the right things for your mind, body, and soul will always be your best weapon against stress.
As We Step Into 2025…
The most important thing I can remind you is to care for yourself.
Invest in your growth, your health, and your happiness. Be the best version of yourself—and if you figure out how to truly become “unstressable,” please let me know. I’d love to hear your story.
Oh, and just a reminder—if any part of your tech is stressing you out, we’re here and happy to ensure that’s no longer the case moving forward.?
Wishing you a happy and stress-free New Year!