Personalities Under Pressure

Lately, I feel like I’m constantly watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster action movie. With so much tension going on in the world, I’m left wondering what’s going to happen in the next scene, I can’t help but feel stressed. Especially when I realize that, despite the fact that I am snacking on a bag of popcorn, and an oversized Orange Crush, I am not sitting in a movie theatre, this is real life. In times like these it’s important to practice some self care, and not ignore what’s going on in the world. Understanding how stress shows up differently across the four personality dimensions can help us recognize when we’re struggling and figure out some ways to get back in balance.

When experiencing stress, Authentic Blues may start to notice shifts in their natural ability to connect with and support others. You might find yourself feeling emotionally overwhelmed, needing more personal space, or struggling to maintain the meaningful connections that usually energize you. The weight of others’ emotional needs may feel even heavier than usual.

To rebalance, Authentic Blues need to support themselves by prioritize emotional self-care. This means setting healthy boundaries, setting aside enough time for reflection, and finding creative outlets for emotional expression. Writing, art, or music are popular choices Most importantly, reach out to trusted friends who can offer the same compassionate listening you typically provide to others.

Stressed Inquiring Greens tend to take some of their everyday characteristics to unhealthy levels. You might find yourself becoming overly critical of yourself and others, going down rabbit holes chasing answers, or struggling to move forward with projects until every detail feels perfect. Your natural curiosity can even shift into concern about missing important information.

To rebalance, Inquiring Greens need to put structure around your thinking processes. Set clear boundaries for research and decision-making. Do activities that need you to be present; hands-on activities help break the cycle of overthinking. Remember that seeking understanding is valuable, but perfect information isn’t always there.

During stressful times, Organized Golds can feel their need for structure and reliability get stronger. You might notice feeling more concerned about planning for an uncertain future, having a harder time adapting to unexpected changes, or frustration when things don’t go according to plan. Your natural ability to create order can feel challenged by circumstances beyond your control.

To regain balance, Organized Golds need to focus on what they can control while practicing flexibility with what they cannot. Start by creating smaller, achievable daily routines rather than trying to plan too far ahead. Practicing mindfulness or other activities that keep you in the present will help keep away thoughts about future uncertainties. Remember that taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your responsibilities.

Stress can impact a Resourceful Orange’s natural ability to adapt and respond effectively to situations. You might find that you’re pretty restless, are having a harder time staying focussed, or frustration because you can’t take action for any number of reasons. Your usual skill at finding creative solutions can feel blocked and you need more validation from others for things you know you’re great at doing. You can even find yourself overcommitting or ghosting; either saying yes to everything to stay busy or completely vanishing to avoid facing problems.

To get back in balance, Resourceful Oranges need to find constructive outlets for your energy and creativity. Look for ways to channel your need for action into productive activities, anything that is hands-on, where you need to move and show some creativity are important. Break larger projects into smaller, more manageable chunks that gives you some variety while still working toward your goals.

When we notice signs of stress in the people in our lives, it’s important to remember that the way each person responds to it, and what they need to rebalance are unique. Someone might need more space rather than more connection, or more flexibility rather than more structure, or the other way around. Pay attention to changes in how they are day-to-day, and ask what they need. Some usual sings of stress can show up as: changes in they way people communicate, difficulty making decisions or taking action, shifts in energy levels or engagement, and/or being more sensitive to change and uncertainty.  Even if you know their dimensions, there are so many things that make up their personality plaid, you can’t assume what they need in the moment.

Helping others starts with respecting their individual needs and preferred ways of managing stress. Offer support that lines up with their needs, while remaining flexible in your approach. Sometimes, doing something as simple as acknowledging their experience and showing patience can be the most helpful response.

As much as it sucks, stress is normal, especially when it feels like the entire world is in chaos and the Hollywood superheroes are nowhere to be found By understanding our own patterns of stress and those of the people in our lives, we can figure out great ways to offer and ask for support at home, work, and in our communities. Sometimes, simply recognizing changes in how we act as stress responses, and not permanent personality changes, can help us approach ourselves and others with more patience and understanding.