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INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.

Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Dr. Ann Hester to provide another commentary in a series.

The Dr. Ann Hester Commentaries

Imagine this: You’re juggling work deadlines, managing family responsibilities, keeping an eye on your finances, and somewhere in between, you’re wondering what’s for dinner. Stress sneaks into every corner of life—whether it’s a major event like changing careers or something as simple as deciding whether to cook or order takeout.

Stress isn’t inherently bad. In small doses, it pushes us to meet challenges, think critically, and stay motivated. But when it lingers too long, it takes a toll—on our bodies, our minds, and our overall well-being. It can lead to headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, and even high blood pressure. Emotionally, it fuels anxiety, irritability, and burnout. If left unchecked, it becomes the silent force that dictates our mood, productivity, and even our relationships.

But here’s the thing—while we can’t always eliminate stress, we can build resilience against it. Just like strengthening a muscle, training ourselves to respond differently to stress can transform the way we experience it.

Reframing Stress: A New Approach

Instead of seeing stress as an enemy, consider it a signal. It’s your body’s way of saying, Something needs attention. The trick is to respond in a way that keeps it from spiraling into chronic overwhelm.

Here’s how you can start shifting your relationship with stress:

Identify Your Triggers

The first step to managing stress effectively is recognizing where it’s coming from. Is it work pressure? Financial uncertainty? Relationship dynamics? Or is it the constant mental load of daily tasks? Once you identify your biggest stressors, you can create a plan to tackle them head-on rather than reacting to them on autopilot.

Create a Stress-Relief Ritual

Just as stress is inevitable, so should be your commitment to relieving it. Whether it’s a five-minute meditation, an evening walk, journaling, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, having a go-to activity can make all the difference.

Move, But on Your Terms

Exercise isn’t just for physical fitness—it’s one of the most effective stress relievers. The good news? You don’t need to spend hours at the gym. Even light movement—stretching, walking, or dancing to your favorite song—can break up stress and boost your mood. The key is to find movement that feels enjoyable, not like another obligation.

Protect Your Mental Energy

Not every situation deserves a front-row seat in your mind. If a problem is outside of your control, practice letting it go. This can mean setting boundaries, learning to say no, or shifting your focus to things you can change. Your mental energy is a limited resource—spend it wisely.

Prioritize Rest Like Your Health Depends on It—Because It Does

Lack of sleep can make even minor stressors feel overwhelming. Aim for quality sleep by establishing a routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down—dim the lights, limit screen time, and create a calming pre-bedtime ritual. Your body and brain will thank you.

Your Stress-Resilience SMART Goal

Let’s put this into action. This week, try setting a SMART goal to build resilience against stress:

✅ S (Specific): Choose one stress-relief activity that genuinely helps you feel more relaxed.
✅ M (Measurable): Commit to doing this activity at least three times this week.
✅ A (Achievable): Pick something realistic—something that fits into your life without feeling like an extra task.
✅ R (Relevant): Make sure the activity is actually effective in reducing stress, not just a distraction.
✅ T (Time-bound): Stick with it for the next week. If it helps, consider making it a long-term habit.

Final Thought: Stress Happens, but You’re in the Driver’s Seat

Life will always come with stress, but it’s how you respond to it that makes the difference. By building daily habits that strengthen your mental and physical resilience, you’re taking control rather than letting stress control you.

So, what’s one small change you can make today to build your stress resilience? Your future self will thank you.

Ann M. Hester, M.D. is a board-certified internist with over 25 years of experience. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Dr. Hester believes when patients are taught exceptional “patient skills,” they become empowered to play a previously unimagined role in optimizing their medical care and minimizing medical costs. Her mission is to share these critical skills by various means, thereby improving patient outcomes and strengthening the U.S. healthcare system. This mission started in medical school when she witnessed the tremendous gap between how patients and doctors think. Over the years, she has written various patient empowerment pieces online and through books. Her latest book is Patient Empowerment 101: More than a book, it’s an adventure! This unique work takes an unprecedented step in helping people think more like doctors and position themselves at the center of their healthcare team.

Learn more at https://www.patientempowerment101.com.

Connect with her through social media:

Twitter: @patientworldnet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patientempowerment101