Can people with high stress tolerance skip coping practices?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.High-stress-tolerant individuals still need regular coping practices since they are resilient. Still, the cumulative stress impacts everyone physiologically over time. All systems have an impact, and even the most resilient system will break down without consistent maintenance. Preventive management enables optimal performance when responding to unexpected challenges.
Stress tolerance is not the same as being immune to stress. Your body still sustains physical wear and tear from being exposed to cortisol. Daily coping skills allow for sufficient recuperative periods. This upkeep prevents the slow depletion of your innate capacity for resilience. Think of it as keeping the engine of a car strong.
Cognitive Preservation
- Decision quality: Maintains clarity under pressure
- Focus endurance: Extends concentration capacity
- Memory protection: Prevents stress-related fog
- Reaction speed: Keeps responses sharp
Physiological Protection
- Cortisol regulation: Prevents hormone imbalance
- Immunity support: Maintains disease resistance
- Sleep quality: Ensures restorative cycles
- Energy conservation: Optimizes resource usage
Preventive care is most effective when crises are avoided. Regular practice establishes a neurological reserve that helps you combat unforeseen stress when it arises. I consistently engage in breathwork daily, even when things are "calm." It helped me manage my distress during sudden family emergencies.
People with high tolerance are at risk of facing dangerous consequences. Often, they remain oblivious to early warning signs until a serious symptom develops. Routine practice brings awareness, allowing one to recognize small changes within oneself. Awareness enables one to recognize when to adjust before crossing a tipping point. Prevention is so much easier than damage control.
Effective practice is more about efficiency than length of time. A daily ten-minute focus on breathing will help maintain baseline regulation. Weekly movement opportunities will maintain physical resilience. Micro-practices incorporate without negating high-performance lifestyles.
Consistently track resilience metrics; assess how quickly you recover from difficult events, the stability of your energy during a strenuous time, etc. These measures will help determine whether your current practices are sufficient to boost your tolerance levels. Adjust your practices as your needs change.
Read the full article: 10 Stress Coping Mechanisms That Work
