Several years ago, during a particularly stressful time at work, my former mentor shared a powerful piece of wisdom that stuck with me: “I’m a warrior, not a worrier.” His words resonated deeply with me. It was as if he were drawing a line between those who get paralyzed by fear and anxiety and those who face challenges head-on, embracing resilience and strength. I filed that statement away in my mind, determined to understand how I could adopt this mindset for myself, not just at work but in all aspects of life. Over time, I came to realize that being a “warrior” meant taking proactive control over my emotions, focusing on solutions, and not letting the weight of worry defeat me before I even started. This shift in perspective has helped me navigate both personal and professional challenges with greater courage and confidence.  Here’s how:

What it means to be a warrior, not a worrier

The difference between being a warrior and a worrier is like the difference between a knight in shining armor and a person frantically Googling “how to survive a panic attack.” A worrier tends to spiral into what-ifs, imagining the worst-case scenarios, and then spends hours (or days) mentally rehearsing disaster movie scripts. Meanwhile, a warrior faces challenges head-on, armed with the belief that they can handle whatever comes their way—no matter how messy it gets. Adopting a warrior’s mindset is all about swapping out the stress-induced freakouts for a sense of inner strength and determination. Instead of drowning in anxiety, warriors focus on what’s within their control, take action, and keep moving forward, even if that means doing it awkwardly or with a bit of grace under pressure. The next time stress hits, can you instead channel your inner warrior: embrace the chaos, laugh at the curveballs? After all, a warrior doesn’t waste time worrying about what’s coming next; they’re too busy being awesome AF at handling it.

The science behind stress and how it impacts your body

Stress has a profound impact on both the brain and body, triggering the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for the “fight-or-flight” response. While this reaction is helpful in short bursts, chronic stress can have damaging long-term effects. It’s linked to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, weakened immunity, digestive problems, and even chronic pain. Prolonged stress can also alter brain function, impairing memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, which can cloud mental clarity and lead to poor judgment. This not only affects your physical well-being but also has a significant impact on your mood, often leading to irritability, anxiety, or depression. In terms of productivity, stress can diminish focus and hinder your ability to complete tasks efficiently, creating a cycle of frustration that further exacerbates the stress. By understanding how stress affects our bodies and minds, we can take steps to manage it and reduce its impact on our daily lives.

How to maintain a warrior mindset throughout the day

Set clear priorities each morning: Before the day gets hectic, take a few minutes in the morning to set your top priorities. Whether it’s tackling that work presentation, getting the kids ready for school, or managing household chores, decide what needs your energy most. A warrior doesn’t fight every battle—she knows where to focus her strength. Setting clear intentions helps you stay aligned with your goals and reduces that “overwhelm” feeling when the to-do list seems endless.

Embrace the power of small wins: As a working mom, things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. A warrior mindset is about action, even if it’s just one step at a time. Maybe it’s sending that important email during nap time or simply making it through a chaotic school morning with a smile. Celebrate those small victories, because they add up and give you the momentum to keep going. Even when things are messy, you’re still making progress, and you look good doing it.

Make time for reflection and recharge: At the end of your busy day, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished—whether it’s managing a tough work deadline or making a fun dinner for your kids. A warrior doesn’t just push through the day without recognizing her efforts. Take a deep breath, acknowledge how far you’ve come, and give yourself credit. If you need a few minutes of “me time” after the kids are in bed, take it—whether it’s reading a book, doing a quick meditation, or just sitting quietly. This recharge helps you stay strong for the next day’s battles.

Stress doesn’t have to run the show! By switching gears from a worrier to a warrior, you can take charge of your day like the superhero you are (cape optional). It’s all about being proactive, carving out some self-care time, and finding that sweet spot of balance—because let’s face it, you can’t conquer the world if you’re running on fumes. Take these tips to heart, and kick off each day like you’re ready for anything—because you totally are! Be the warrior of your own story and own your day, every single day. You’ve got this, even if that means tackling the laundry mountain and answering emails at the same time – or deprioritizing both until tomorrow!

---

My hope is that this blog may be helpful, or dare I say inspirational to someone out there. What are your tips and tricks to manage stress?