Decisions iN Stress: YOUR Guiding Compass | Ask Dr Annika

4 min readNov 6, 2023

In the fast-paced business world, stress stands as a constant, but — decision-making is also constant.
Now, envision the two colliding: chaos, right? But not, if you know how to decode the relationship between the two.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN STRESS AND DECISION-MAKING

Let’s picture our minds as a “bustling intersection” where stress directs the flow of our thoughts: As stress becomes a player in this traffic, it subtly molds our decision-making process.
And it’s we all know it’s a lie if we say it’s not messy because it is!

But we also know that it’s not impossible. So how are some able to easily decide despite stress and pressure?

Familiar with the job requirements of: “Must be able to work under pressure/stress”?
Because some people can do that quite smoothly, while some… do not.

TYPES OF PEOPLE UNDER STRESS

There are three types of people in this world when it comes to stress:

Those who still function and make decisions;
Who allow stress to drive their decisions; and
Those who just totally shut down.
Now, the question here is…
From which among the three do you want to categorize yourself, or do you want to be part of?

IMPORTANCE OF STRESS MASTERY AS A LEADER

The first step toward this mastery lies in acknowledging that there is always this intricate connection between stress and decision-making — and understanding that stress isn’t merely a mental state but plays a key role in shaping your choices.

THE SCIENCE OF STRESS-INDUCED DECISION BIASES

Stress sets the stage for the release of cortisol, influencing the amygdala — the emotional epicenter of the brain. This hormonal interplay gives rise to decision biases, like a proclivity for familiar choices or an inclination to sidestep risks.

Unraveling these nuances empowers you to recognize and counteract the biases induced by stress.

Which makes it all… NORMAL, and HUMAN.

BUT EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER

Yes, we’re all just human — and it is not a weakness if we experience in our lives that we let our emotions influence our decisions because scientifically, that’s what we do — BUT we must learn from that, to NOT do it every time!

Ever heard, “Once is enough?”

It’s the same here.
One wrong decision influenced by emotions is already more than enough to teach us that emotions must be separated from logic when a decision is required from us.

But acknowledging that it could also be hard, is mandatory for achieving mastery.

Still, there are things that you can do to make this journey easier…

STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING DECISION-MAKING UNDER STRESS

Successfully navigating successful decision-making under stress necessitates a well-equipped toolkit of strategies, like:

Commencing with mindfulness techniques, to foster an awareness of the present moment that opens mental space for clear decisions.
Embracing structured decision-making processes breaks down complex choices into manageable steps, diminishes cognitive load, and fortifies your ability to confront challenges.

But it’s not enough to tackle stress only when a decision is required.
A great technique is knowing how to properly approach stress, from its very base, so that even when a decision is required at any time, you know how to fight stress head-on.

STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR OPTIMAL DECISION-MAKING

Here are some tips to achieve effective stress management for optimal performance and decision-making:

Embrace regular breaks, allowing your mind crucial moments of rejuvenation.
Prioritize sleep to bolster cognitive function and resilience in the face of stress.
Physical activity emerges as a potent ally, releasing endorphins that counteract stress hormones.

And of course, always…

BE PROACTIVE.

As proactive stress management lays the foundation for sharper, more effective decision-making.

SUCCESSFUL DECISION-MAKING AMIDST STRESS

As I mentioned above, in the three types of people, there’s one who allows stress to influence their decision — which most of the time forbids success.

In the crucible of stress, successful decision-making arises from a blend of resilience and adaptability.

Here are some steps you can take to be the part of the ones that make successful decisions amidst the chaos of stress:

Acknowledge that not every decision demands an immediate response.
Allow yourself the space to reflect and gather information.
Remember to focus on the information that you gathered and not the emotions that you are feeling.
Separate your stress and ask yourself: “If I’m deciding without {the cause of stress/pressure}, and my decision won’t affect {your fear}, what’s the most logical thing that I would do/choose?
Cultivate a growth mindset, perceiving challenges as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable hurdles.

YOUR GUIDING COMPASS

As you navigate the dynamic landscape of stress and decision-making, recognize that awareness and intentional strategies serve as your guiding compass.

By unraveling the connection between stress and decisions, you equip yourself to lead with clarity and purpose.

BE ABLE TO DECIDE SUCCESSFULLY AMIDST STRESS

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Download my COMPLIMENTARY GUIDE for additional insights on stress, decision-making, and holistic leadership.

To clarity in decisions and resilience in stress,