Stress. We’ve all felt it—those moments when deadlines loom, expectations mount, and life seems to demand more than we have to give. For those juggling careers, families, and personal aspirations, stress can feel like an ever-present companion. But what if we could not only manage stress but also become more resistant to it?

Here’s the thing: We’re often told that stress management is about finding balance, taking breaks, or practicing mindfulness. While these strategies have their place, there’s more to becoming truly stress-resistant than simply minimizing stressors or scheduling self-care. Let’s challenge the common perspectives and dive into what really helps people build stress resilience.

Embrace Discomfort, Don’t Escape It

One of the most powerful ways to become more stress-resistant is by leaning into discomfort instead of trying to avoid it. Our culture often promotes the idea that comfort equals happiness. But real growth—and the resilience that comes with it—happens when we stretch beyond our comfort zones.

There was a time when I thought the entire goal of life was to get to a place where we could be comfortable. The realization that comfort is not the goal and discomfort is a place that grows me was a shock and a great mindset shift.

Next time you’re facing a stressful situation, rather than seeking immediate relief, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can this challenge make me stronger? By reframing stress as an opportunity for growth, we begin to build a mindset that doesn’t shy away from difficulty but instead welcomes it as a path to greater resilience.

Go ahead, get uncomfortable — on purpose!

Cultivate a ‘Both/And’ Mindset

We often think in terms of ‘either/or’ when it comes to stress: either I’m stressed, or I’m calm; either I’m succeeding, or I’m failing. But life isn’t that binary. Cultivating a ‘both/and’ mindset can be a game-changer in stress resistance.

We can be stressed and still capable. We can feel overwhelmed and still move forward. By acknowledging that it’s possible to hold conflicting emotions or states at once, we free ourselves from the pressure to eliminate stress altogether and instead focus on navigating it with grace and strength.

No one ever told me we can accept both/and. I grew up in a world where everything was either/or. Uncovering this mindset shift was a game changer for me.

Try it on —how can you step into both/and?

Strengthen Core Values

Our core values are like the roots of a tree—when the winds of stress blow, they keep us grounded. Knowing what truly matters to us, and why, helps us weather the storms of life with greater stability.

Take some time to reflect on your core values. Are they aligned with how you spend your time and energy? When you prioritize what’s most important to you, the stressors that don’t align with your values lose their power. This doesn’t mean stress disappears, but it does mean we become more resilient in the face of it because we’re anchored in what truly matters.

Operating from our core values also helps us know what to say NO to. Saying, “no” can eliminate some stress.

Give it a shot — prioritize what aligns with your values.

Invest in Relationships, Not Just Networks

We’re often told to build networks to succeed in our professional lives. And I see the immense value in building networks. But when it comes to stress resistance, it’s the depth of our relationships that matters more than the breadth of our network. Real, supportive relationships provide emotional sustenance that a broad network of acquaintances simply can’t.

Who are the people in your life that you can truly lean on? Investing in these relationships doesn’t just mean asking for help when we’re stressed; it means being there for others, too. This reciprocal support system becomes a buffer against stress, reminding us that we’re not alone in the struggle.

Take a chance — invest in a deeper relationship.

Challenge the Myth of Perfection

Perfectionism is a thief of peace. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that to be a successful professional, we must have it all together—all the time. But perfection is an illusion, and chasing it only amplifies stress.

I still remember the day I thought I’d received Divine endorsement for my goal of being perfect. The magnitude by which I was off-base is immeasurable. I’ve since learned something much more Divine — be human, not perfect.

Practice self-compassion. Acknowledge imperfections and embrace them as part of our unique journey. When we stop striving for an unattainable ideal and start celebrating progress over perfection, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and build a more resilient mindset.

Have a go at embracing imperfection. Why not?

Embrace Change as a Constant

Change is one of the few constants in life, yet it’s often a significant source of stress. The key to stress resistance isn’t in avoiding change but in embracing it. Cultivate a mindset that sees change not as a threat but as an opportunity.

I have no love lost on change. For the most part, I’d like to keep things just as they are. But life has taught me that’s not only impossible but also unhealthy.

When you encounter change, ask: What new possibilities does this open up? How can I adapt and grow from this experience? By becoming adaptable and open to change, we build a resilience that isn’t shaken by the unexpected but instead thrives on it.

Test it out — see change as an opportunity.

Redefining Strength in Stress

Building stress resistance isn’t about avoiding stress or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about redefining strength—seeing it not as the absence of stress, but as the ability to thrive in spite of it. By embracing discomfort, nurturing deep relationships, aligning with our core values, and letting go of perfectionism, we create a foundation that not only withstands stress but grows stronger because of it.

As women, we’re often called upon to be resilient in the face of immense pressures. The good news? Resilience isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we can build. And in that process, we find that stress isn’t our enemy; it’s our teacher, guiding us to become the strongest version of ourselves.

Take the plunge into building stress resistance.

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn or read more of her articles on Plaid.