DE-STRESS: How being Assertive Helps Stress

INSIGHT FOR TODAY: Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness. What’s the difference — and how does each affect your stress levels? To be assertive is to express your opinions and choices firmly and with confidence. Assertiveness is rooted in confidence; if you know who you are and what you want, and you know and respect your personal boundaries, it is easier to be assertive. You can communicate firmly but kindly. To be aggressive is to express yourself strongly, but without that kindness towards yourself or others. You’re more likely to be aggressive if you feel less confident in what you’re communicating; you overcompensate. Or if you feel threatened, belittled, or somehow less than the people you are communicating with. Aggression produces and feeds on stress hormones. Assertiveness makes use of hormones that promote calm and feelings of happiness. What situations in your life would benefit from more assertiveness rather than aggression? ACTION FOR TODAY: Seek assertiveness over aggressive in a personal or work situation to help you to feel less stressed and more in control.