Everybody has their own method of dealing with stress. Some like to meditate, some throw things around the room, and others swallow their discomfort down and hope that it will fix itself.
If you have an understanding of your Myers-Briggs personality type, you’ll hold the key to managing stress. Your personality profile will show what calms you down when the world gets on top of you. Follow the advice below, and you’ll live a considerably more serene life.
ENFJ - The Giver
The Giver is an empathetic personality. You spend a great deal of time worrying about meeting the needs of others. This is a noble intention, but if you spend all energy pleasing others, you'll have none left for yourself.
If you're stressed, take time for yourself. Spend the day doing what makes you happy. That could be relaxing with a bubble bath and a good book, or working on a plan to meet your own goals and ambitions. The most important thing is that you put yourself first for once.
ENFP - The Champion
The Champion is easily excited. This is a good thing. It means that you'll always see the positives in a negative scenario, and look for opportunity rather than excuses. This personality type feeds and thrives on positive energy.
It's also important for The Champion to feel loved and respected. With that mind, don't suffer through stressful periods alone. Surround yourself with people that love you. You'll feel much better about yourself, and you'll forget all about what was bothering you. A solution to your stressful scenario will quickly appear.
ENTJ - The Commander
The Commander likes to take the bull by the horns. This personality type relishes problems, because it affords the opportunity to find a solution. As a born leader, you have no intention of relinquishing control – no matter how much pressure is piled upon your shoulders.
Turn this to your advantage. Calm your stress levels by making a plan. Book a vacation, or plan a party. It doesn't even need to an event that directly concerns you. Offer to help out somebody else with their arrangements if necessary. It's the act of organization that matters to you.
ENTP - The Visionary
The Visionary is constantly seeking new experiences and stimulation. This is the key to unlocking stress for this personality type. If you enjoy something unique, your stress will melt away in a moment.
That doesn't mean that you need to take up cliff jumping or skydiving. Just fire up Spotify and find your new favorite band. Take a long walk in an unfamiliar part of town. Visit a friend that has recently moved to a new location. You just need a break from your regular, humdrum routine.
ESFJ - The Provider
The Provider values harmony and balance – both in your own life, and that of your loved ones. When this is missing, stress will follow. In order to restore your emotional equilibrium, you'll need to feel as though you are making yourself useful. This personality type is much calmer after accomplishing something.
Start by tying up loose ends in the house. Do you have paperwork that need to be sorted, a closet that needs tidying, or a phone call you've been putting off? Stop procrastinating, and get these jobs done. You'll feel much better. If you can't think of anything, ask a friend or local voluntary service if they need help.
ESFP - The Performer
The Entertainer takes a great deal of comfort from material possessions. That's not a criticism. In fact, it's one of the easier fixes for stressful situations. Take a moment to treat yourself. It's OK – you've earned it.
Take a ride into town and go shopping. Book yourself a pamper day at the local spa. Book tickets to that play that you've wanted to see for weeks. You'll find that your stress is controlled with a little retail therapy and R&R.
ESTJ - The Supervisor
The Supervisor needs to control problems head-on if under stress. This personality type does not favor holding fire, and waiting to see what unfolds before making a decision. You’ll want to step up and deal with an issue before it can get any worse.
With this in mind, do just that. Don't let stressful thoughts and situations linger. Roll up your sleeves, take action on the point of concern, and breathe a sigh of relief afterward. Remember, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
ESTP - The Doer
The Doer is a particularly mindful personality type. You live almost exclusively in the moment. If you feel like you're stuck in a rut with no task to occupy your mind and hands, you'll grow stressed and anxious. You're a practical person, not a philosopher.
Combat this by furthering your education. Think about something that has always interested you, and take it up as a new hobby. This could be learning a new language, or taking lessons in a combat sport. You need to be out there, experiencing the world and expanding your horizons.
INFJ - The Counselor
If The Counselor does not understand a situation, it's a source of stress. You always feel considerably more comfortable if you can fathom the motives of another person, or an explanation for a problem. Understanding is the key to acceptance – which, in turn, will improve your emotional wellbeing
This means that you'll need to investigate meaning to reduce your stress. If the situation involves another person, talk it through with them. Even if you don't agree with their outlook, you'll take comfort from the understanding. If it's a series of events that have left you in a pickle, make a list of everything that unfolded and led you down this path.
INFP - The Idealist
The Idealist likes to imagine the world a certain way, and is invariably disappointed by this. As a result, you really need to unplug from current affairs every once in a while. Too much news and social media is bad for your health. You'll just end up upsetting yourself more and more.
Although it's not your natural instinct, do something utterly frivolous and mindless while you're under stress. That could be binging a TV show box set, or taking a long walk. The important thing is that you keep things light, and stop thinking about the world's problems for a while. Burning yourself out by worrying about things you cannot control helps nobody.
INTJ - The Mastermind
The Mastermind is a personality type that's driven by passion. You will likely have a particular interest that you care deeply about, and hold a great deal of proficiency within. This may be a musical instrument, playing video games, or a practical application such as model making.
This passion provides you with the perfect channel for your emotional strain. Seek comfort in what you love, and you’ll stop fretting over what has been bothering you. Throwing yourself into your passions will refresh you, and leave you ready to take on a stressful situation with a new determination.
INTP - The Thinker
The Thinker can become stressed when emotion overrides logic. This is not your default setting, so don't attempt to fight the tide. If you are feeling stressed, do what you do best – apply logic and critical thinking. You take a great deal of pleasure from fixing things, but feelings and emotions cannot be repaired using tools.
Turn lemons into lemonade by tackling DIY projects around the home while you're stressed. This practical application of your talents will take your mind off what is bothering you. If necessary, take apart an appliance to see how it works then reassemble it!
ISFJ - The Nurturer
The Nurturer is among the most observational personality types. You'll always be the person that notices a co-workers new haircut, or that a friend isn't quite feeling herself. You will also have a habit of taking on the stress of other people. That's all fine, but it needs to be a two-way street.
If you're feeling under pressure or stressed, reach out to somebody. Talk things through. You'll soon realize that the issue you're facing is not insurmountable. If that's not an option, write yourself a letter or record a voice note of what’s bothering you. Whatever it takes, you need to get your thoughts out of your head.
ISFP - The Composer
The Composer needs to avoid conflict wherever possible. This may be an active confrontation, or you could be concerned about a discussion that's brewing. The Composer can easily spend an entire weekend worrying about a meeting scheduled for Monday.
To avoid this, channel your mental and physical energies into the present. Go for a run or to the gym. Watch your favorite movie. Visit somebody that you haven't seen in a while. Meditate. Basically, you need some time out of your own head. Worrying now about what may happen in the future will do nothing to change the outcome.
ISTJ - The Inspector
The Inspector cannot tolerate disorder in any form. This could be mental or physical in nature. If your mind is racing and you can't get your thoughts straight, focus on bring order to your surroundings. Tidying up and organizing is soothing to The Inspector.
Tidy your sock drawer. Clean the house from top to bottom. Alphabetize your CD collection. Have a clear out of old clothes, donating anything that's no longer needed to charity. For some personality types, these are crushingly dull chores that are put off as long as possible. For you, they are the key to your inner zen.
ISTP - The Craftsperson
For The Craftsperson, nothing provides greater pleasure than problem solving. If you're faced with an insurmountable issue, that's likely to be a primary stress trigger. The best way to get around this is to focus your attention on a problem that you can fix.
The Craftsperson should always have a puzzle handy. Toy with a Rubik's Cube. Complete a jigsaw. Pick up a crossword book. Even online games played on your cellphone will help, if they involve engaging your mind. These activities will keep you calm when you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders.