Astronaut Stress Management: 3 Expert Tips from Chris Hadfield

Former astronaut Chris Hadfield has mastered high-pressure situations through his experience in space missions, engineering, and piloting. In his BigThink video, he shares actionable stress management techniques used by astronauts that anyone can apply.

1. Understand and Prepare for Your Fears

Key insight: "The best antidote for stress is competence" - Chris Hadfield

Astronauts manage uncertainty by:
- Identifying potential risks and dangers
- Training extensively for every scenario
- Building muscle memory through repetition

Hadfield's approach:

"When I think I'm at risk for something, but I don't know what to do, that's my biggest fear."

2. Use Stress as Your Preparation Signal

Physical stress indicators to watch for:
- Nervousness
- Stomach discomfort
- Heightened bodily awareness

Hadfield's method:
1. Recognize stress as a readiness indicator
2. Channel it into proactive preparation
3. Transform anxiety into actionable steps

3. Master Stress Through Acceptance and Preparation

The astronaut mindset shift:
- You can't eliminate stressful situations
- You can control your preparedness
- Preparation changes your reaction

Real-world example:

"If you knew you'd get a flat tire, you'd bring a spare. The situation doesn't change, but your readiness does."

Conclusion: Think Like an Astronaut

By adopting these space-tested techniques, you can:
- Convert fear into competence
- Use stress as a preparation tool
- Develop resilience in high-pressure situations

Watch the full video: [BigThink Interview with Chris Hadfield]

Related Reading:
- 3 Simple Remedies for a Stressed-Out Mind
- Being with Challenging Moments Rather Than Avoiding Them