You know what they say: Age is just a number. And just because you’re all grown up, it doesn’t mean you have to lose your childlike sense of fun and wonder. In fact, we can bet there is someone in your life who is still a kid at heart. (It might even be you!) Sure, the Barbie dolls or Hot Wheels might not be in heavy rotation anymore, but that doesn’t mean the world can’t use a little more playful spirit. Check out our picks for people who are still young on the inside.
College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!
Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers
Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.
Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle
Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!
A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia
This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.
Stanley Quencher H2.0
Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.
Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag
If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.
2024 Daily Planner
Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.
Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier
This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.
Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet
Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.
The Beast Mini Blender
This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.
Béis The Sport Backpack
Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.
Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs
These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.
Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck
For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Coffee will always be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.
Great Jones The Starting Lineup
This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.
Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.
Though you might not get summers “off” anymore, the season is a great chance to slow down a little, press the reset button, and carve out some time for yourself. What better way to do this than to book a visit to a wellness retreat? There are so many options available that include indulgent massage treatments, nourishing meal choices, and activities like hiking and forest bathing geared toward getting you more centered and reconnected with yourself. Here are a few of our favorites.
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX
Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort
Located just about 20 miles from downtown Austin, this lakeside all-inclusive wellness getaway feels much farther from the city than that. Your stay includes all meals, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks, including fresh juices and smoothies; access to the spa’s pools and relaxation spaces; wellness activities; and gratuity.
Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort
Summer is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy full access to the resort’s watersports, such as hydrobikes, waterskis, wakeboards, and kayaks on secluded Lake Austin. Daily programming includes activities like lakeside yoga, guided hikes through private trails in the Texas Hill Country, Japanese sword classes, myofascial release in the water to help unwind those stubborn knots in your neck and shoulders, Tarot readings, and wine cruises.
Photo: Carly Diaz
The on-site spa’s [ comfort zone ] FACE SPAce is the first of its kind in the U.S., utilizing new specialty therapies to stimulate collagen and leave you glowing. Challenge yourself to a treatment that includes an outdoor cold plunge (this can be fun with friends) followed by a warm, soothing massage to fully relax. Then follow it up with a thoughtfully presented meal, such as heirloom tomato salad, whipped ricotta made with local honey, or Texas blackened redfish, served in the dining room or outside on one of the breezy patio spaces.
Mii Amo, Sedona, AZ
Photo: Douglas Friedman
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wellness getaway that feels deeply meaningful, head to Sedona’s breathtaking Boynton Canyon, where the iconic spa Mii amo has recently reopened following a $40 million, two-year renovation. Here you’ll find 23 casitas with private balconies or patios, in-room kiva fireplaces and soaking tubs, as well as a new restaurant called Hummingbird.
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Daily guided meditations and special presentations and ceremonies (examples include a Summer Solstice Ceremony and Canyon Bathing) create an ideal environment to slow down and refocus.
Photo: Douglas Friedman
At the spa, beyond the typical massage and facial offerings, you’ll find a unique to Mii amo menu of services, including Chakra Balancing; Aura Photography; a Connection Ceremony that focuses on letting go of past hurts or welcoming in new beginnings; an Inner Quest including special ceremonial elements like braided sweetgrass and cedar/sage oil; and Intuitive Massage.
Photo: Mii Amo
The chef-created menu at Hummingbird includes items like salmon ceviche, duck breast, poulet rouge, and gluten-free and vegan selections, and there’s a juice bar serving a full slate of smoothies, juices, and wellness tonics.
Photo: K Hayden
Next door at neighboring property Enchantment Resort you’ll find additional amenities you can use while exploring the surrounding 400 miles of trails.
Canyon Ranch, Woodside, CA
Photo: Canyon Ranch
Secluded within 16 acres of majestic redwoods in Northern California, about an hour south of San Francisco, is the all-inclusive Canyon Ranch Woodside. There are additional locations in Tucson, Lenox (outside of Boston), and Las Vegas.
Photo: Canyon Ranch
If you find forest bathing appearling, this is the ideal wellness getaway for you. The resort celebrates its forest environs from its 24 luxury treehouse rooms that peek through the forest, to ropes courses and guided meditations that take place under the magnificent canopy. Locally sourced dining menus are served al fresco or in a cozy dining room and include afternoon tapas, colorful salads, and fresh salmon.
Photo: Canyon Ranch
Each day, Canyon Ranch offers dozens of mind-body activities including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, dancing, and free-flow abstract painting. Upcoming summer wellness presentations and workshops focus on themes such as “Wisdom of the Horse and Herd” equine therapy; “Activating Your Empathy and Intuition”; and “Find Your Purpose.” Spa treatments include Forest Aromatherapy Treatment and Hiker’s Retreat, designed to perk up your feet after a strenuous hike.
Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC
Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center
You can design your own stay at the Art of Living Retreat Center depending on your intentions. Customizable itineraries include silent retreats, wellness cleanses and detoxes, meditation-focused retreats, and happiness retreats. This summer, guest faculty will lead sessions on “Healing Through Feminine Practices,” “Trusting Our Transformation,” and “Experience the Divine.”
Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center
The spa offers Ayurvedic-informed treatments, including Eye Bathing, targeting relieving tired eyes with warmed ghee; Clear Breath Support with herb-infused oils to clear the sinuses; and a treatment to settle the nervous system, with warm oil poured into the ears. Round these out with soothing body wraps and massage treatments for the ultimate restorative experience.
Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center
Buffet-style meals are prepared with vegetarian, whole foods, and are informed by Ayurvedic wisdom, including selections like Jamaican Jackfruit Stew and Gado-Gado Peanut Sprout Salad. Each day, you can enjoy yoga sessions, nature walks, a fire circle, and there are additional class options such as pottery and Ayurveda cooking.
Hemlock Neversink, Neversink, NY
Photo: Sasithon Photography
The newest all-inclusive wellness resort on this list just opened in October 2023. Hemlock Neversink is situated on 230 acres of land in the Sullivan Catskills, about two hours northwest of New York City. Your stay includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, programming, and on-site amenities.
Photo: Clay Banks
The prix fixe menu at the on-site restaurant Bittersweet highlights plant-forward cuisine, including options like enoki mushroom and warm spinach salad and roasted cabbage or skirt steak.
Photo: Upland Creative
Enjoy spa treatments such as the 90-minute Return to Nature Ritual, which exfoliates with berry seats and white peat, then hydrates your skin with organic mushrooms, helichrysum blossoms, and berry oils. Then float while breathing in birch extract and other aromas.
Photo: Sasithon Photography
You’ll find a variety of workshops, yoga and meditation classes, and there’s even a goat sanctuary on site (you can go for a daily goat hike for some animal therapy), as well as tennis courts and hiking trails. This summer, nationally recognized guest instructors will teach classes and lead workouts on mat pilates and dance cardio in the honey-toned wood Movement Building, and in the Activity Building, do a Catskill honey and tea tasting, join a Shamanic drum circle, and make a vision board.
Main Photos: Lake Austin Spa Resort
Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.
ayurvedic treatmentsbest citiesbest travelcanyon ranch woodsideforest bathinggoat sanctuaryguided hikesguided meditationshemlock neversinkhikingjapanese sword classesjetset journeysjetset journeys serieslake austin spa resortlakeside yogamassage treatmentsmeditation classesmii amomindbody activitiesnature walksnourishing mealsspaspa treatmentssuptarot readingstravel guidetravel tipstravel trendsus citiesvegetarian mealswatersportsweekend travelwellness retreatsyoga classestravel
With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓
Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil
The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.
The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.
Anthropologie Faye Planter
For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.
The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw
She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!
This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.
DedCool Room & Linen Spray
Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!
The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.
Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box
When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.
The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.
Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer
This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!
The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.
Little Secret Round Sunglasses
Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.
The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.
The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set
Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.
This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.
Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil
This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!
This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.
Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion
This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!
The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.
Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals
These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.
The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.
Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix
Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.
This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.
L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote
This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.
This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.
Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set
For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.
The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.
Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders
These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!
This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.
Verloop Raffia Phone Sling
Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.
The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.
Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set
Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!
The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).
UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet
Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!
The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.
Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher
Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!
The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.
Ban.do Meal Planner
This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.
This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.
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Image via brands.
I'm so inspired by coastal decor in all of its renditions, from the Nancy Meyer’s-inspired coastal grandmother to elegant and coastal luxemodern, from California surf shacks to Cape Cod cottages. While coastal decor can be an all-year decor trend that combines fresh whites, soft blues and natural elements like jute, wood, and rattan, it’s around this time of year that I start to really embrace the relaxed and refined aesthetic. Here are 20 coastal accents to refresh your home for the season.
Coastal by Gray Malin
Coffee table books are a great way to bring in a coastal aesthetic. New York Times bestselling author and photographer Gray Malin is known for his aerial beach photography in the U.S. This new collection highlights coastal locations from around the world.
Spoonflower Peel & Stick Art Deco Swans Wallpaper
This removable and eco-friendly wallpaper (water-based inks and no toxins) features a swan graphic in a seaside color for a breezy addition to any room.
Aitken Flatweave Cotton Geometric Rug
This boho cotton rug also leans into the greener side of coastal decor with a fun polka dot print.
Nauvoo Dresser Mirror
Bring in natural elements like wood and rattan to keep your coastal decor casual and earthy.
Soho House Pool Towel, Nashville
Soho House uses these classic cabana stripe towels around their poois. This fade-resistant one in their signature hue is used at their Nashville location.
Surf Tribe Book by Stephan Vanfleteren
This photo book shows surf culture in a new light, showing the passion for nature and respect for the ocean that surfers universally have.
The Citizenry Meru Counter Stool
Bringing in natural elements in a refined way is a key part of coastal decor. These modern counter stools in a beautiful ethically-harvested mindi wood are handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Jepara, Indonesia.
Pendleton White Sands Printed Quilt Set
Inspired by sand dunes against a blue sky, this machine-washable cotton quilt is a nod to the serene landscape of New Mexico's White Sands National Monument.
Indigo Surf Textile Art
This textile art features hand-cut vintage dark indigo lettering on a lighter indigo background and a small wave stitched detail. It comes with the salt oak frame and each one is one of a kind.
Blu Dot Invitation 24" Bench
Woven seating in a white oak wood frame brings in the sandy colored hues of coastal decor. Blu Dot is one of my favorite modern decor brands, and this quiet luxury bench is so lovely IMO.
Nathan James Outdoor Patio Loveseats (set of 2)
Extend your coastal decor to the great outdoors with these acacia wood loveseats and chairs with washable cushions.
Dumae Malibu 3-Piece Setting
This LA-based ceramics company designs unique pieces for casual and special occasions. Love the organic edge on these that would suit a coastal decor aesthetic.
Begonia Dining Chair
Adore the idea of these upholstered chairs in a cabana stripe around a wood dining table - so chic and fun!
World Market White Marble Shell Bookends
Marble shell bookends feel just a tiny bit kitsch without feeling too old-school beach decor. Add these to your desk or bookshelf.
Serena & Lily Jute Border Rug
Hand-tied fringe hints to a surf shack vibe while the elegantly framed jute rug keeps it more refined.
'Crowded Summer' Frame + Photograph Print
Make a statement with a beachy landscape that recalls the best of summer days.
Surf Shacks Book by Matt Titone
Find anecdotes and photographs in this book that reveals a more personal side to surfing.
Zara Embroidered Border Towel
Swooning over these cotton terry towels with an embroidered detail (an illustrated shower) and contrast border in the most perfect blue.
If Lost Please Return Me To The Sea Art Print - Digital Download
Cheeky prints like this one make sure your coastal decor doesn't get too serious.
Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water by Nina Freudenberger
Peek inside surfers' homes, from bungalows to trailers to cabins, in this bestselling design tome for coastal decor lovers.
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Images courtesy of Shutterstock + Wayfair
Are you stressed right now? Maybe not so stressed that you curl up in a ball, or run around screaming, but most of us have at least some stress in our lives. And often that’s a good thing; the right amount of stress motivates us and gets us up in the morning. But if stress gets too much, we start to suffer, become demotivated, and eventually collapse as our nervous system falls apart.
Fortunately, there are ways in which we can build our resilience. Some of these are useful for everyone; getting support from your family and friends, nurturing a positive view of yourself, doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing, developing realistic goals and taking action to achieve them. But some will be unique to you, to your particular circumstances to your personality. If you know your personality type, you will have a head start on knowing what your stress triggers are (and so dealing with them), how you react to stress, and how to cope with that reaction. In other words, how to build resilience.
Personality Types And How They Deal With Stress
Image via Photo by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
The personality type framework, as measured by the Myers-Briggs(MBTI) assessment, looks at four aspects of personality:
- Extraversion-Introversion — People with an Extraversion personality preference are energized by and focus their attention on what’s happening around them, their external world. They are likely to find spending too much time alone without enough external stimulation quite stressful. People with an Introversion preference are energized by and focus their attention on their inner world of thoughts and feelings. They can become stressed if they are forced to spend too much time with others, or when they have to cope with too many external distractions.
- Sensing-Intuition — is all about how we take in information. People with a Sensing preference prefer information that is realistic, practical, built on past or present real-life experiences, and often detailed. They can be stressed when things are ambiguous and unclear, without any clear direction. People with an Intuition preference are interested in the big picture, in how things connect, and in ideas rather than facts. They will find having to follow exact instructions stressful, and working with people who demand lots of detail.
- Thinking-Feeling —People with a Thinking preference want to make decisions using objective logic and will be stressed when decisions seem to be subjective, or when they are forced to concentrate on people rather than the task at hand. People with a Feeling preference want to make decisions that line up with their values and they will be stressed if they feel that those values are not being respected, and when there is conflict.
- Judging-Perceiving — People with a Judging preference want to live in an organized, planned way and will find dealing with disorganized people stressful, or having to rush things at the last minute. People with a Judging preference want to live in a more spontaneous, emergent way and will become stressed when they have to deal with inflexible people, or when they are forced to make decisions before they feel they really need to.
Image via Photo by Mike Jones/Pexels
Everyone will have a preference for Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), for Sensing (S) or for Intuition (N), for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F), and for Judging (J) or for Perceiving (P). These four preferences combine together dynamically to give one of 16 types. For example, if someone has preferences for Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging, then their overall type would be ESTJ. If you know your type, you can identify your likely stressors (and so avoid or mitigate them), your typical behavior under everyday stress (so that you can recognize when you are stressed) and what to do to cope with that reaction, stop the stress cycle and so build resilience. Here’s the detail for each type.
Image via Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels
ESTP and ESFP
Stressors
- Lack of stimulation and excitement
- Theoretical, abstract tasks without any practical application right now
- Being physically confined, e.g. though illness or circumstance
Behavior under everyday stress
- Seeks out more and more external stimulation and excitement
- May behave in a thrill-seeking or dangerous way or over-indulge
- Lives solely in the present moment and will not make any decisions
How to stop the stress cycle
- Pause, stop what you are doing, or think through what you will do next before you do it
Image via Photo by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
ESTJ and ENTJ
Stressors
- Inefficient people, systems, or organizations
- Lack of closure, not being able to make decisions, blockers
- Having to focus on people's feelings, rather than the task
Behavior under everyday stress
- Becomes overly directive, forceful, or even aggressive
- Makes snap decisions and imposes them on others
- Dismisses evidence/other opinions that don't fir your view
How to stop the stress cycle
- Stop making any decisions until you have taken some time out to explore all the available information.
Image via Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels
ENTP and ENFP
Stressors
- People who say "it'll never work"
- Too much seemingly irrelevant detail
- Lack of variety; not being able to do anything new
Behavior under everyday stress
- Shares increasingly impractical ideas with more and more people
- Unable to take things seriously, becomes destructively 'playful'
- Will be tied down to decisions
How to stop the stress cycle
- Slow down. Take some time out to quietly decide on a course of action
Image via Anna Shvets/Pexels
ESFJ and ENFJ
Stressors
- Conflict with others and between others
- Lack of warmth, not having friendliness reciprocated
- Injustice in the world at large
Behavior under everyday stress
- Become effusive and over-friendly
- Becomes demanding in getting your own and others' needs met
- Interprets situations in terms of your values, ignoring any other evidence
How to stop the stress cycle
- Step back from the situation and the people involved and consider alternatives and the facts
Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels
INTP and ISTP
Stressors
- Having your carefully reasoned solutions dismissed or ignored
- Illogical decisions that have not been thought through
- Excessive displays of approval or emotion from others
Behavior under everyday stress
- Withdraws to solve problems by yourself
- Fixates on finding the one correct solution
- Ignores other people; makes decisions without informing them
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to explore information and ideas
Image via Mizuno K/Pexels
ISTJ and ISFJ
Stressors
- Having to act without detailed, practical information or plans
- Having the lessons of your experience dismissed by others
- Changing things that already work
Behavior under everyday stress
- Obsessively searches for that one important piece of information
- Withdraws from the outer world
- Cannot make a decision until all the information has been found
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to help you prioritize and make a decision
Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
ISFP and INFP
Stressors
- People who ignore, dismiss, or contravene your values
- Working in a job that is at odds with those values
- Inflexible and unthinking people or organizations
Behavior under everyday stress
- Withdraws into an inner dialogue
- Obsessively works through decisions that fir your values
- Ignores facts that do not fit with the picture you have painted
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to get their reassurance and help in considering the facts and alternatives
Image viaMART PRODUCTION/Pexels
INTJ and INFJ
Stressors
- Not having time to think through possibilities before answering
- Having your well-considered ideas dismissed or ignored
- Disorganized, opinionated people
Behavior under everyday stress
- Withdraws to build increasingly complex ideas in your head
- These models may become divorced from reality
- Unable to act under every possibility has been explored
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to help decide which of your many ideas should be pursued
When you feel stressed, it can get in the way of dealing effectively with life’s demands, and it can affect everything you do. Understanding your MBTI personality type will help you to build resilience.
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Lead image viaKarolina Grabowska/Pexels