Are you getting stressed by things that are outside your control?

Liz Makin Author

Jul 27, 2026 |

A look at what to do when you are getting stressed by things outside your control.

How often do you find yourself getting stressed about things outside of your control? If you do get stressed by things outside of your control you will feel very uncertain, overwhelmed, stressed and powerless. 

Here are some strategies to try when you find yourself getting stressed about things outside of your control:

1. Understand what is within and outside of your control. The first step is identify what is within and outside your control. For example, you cannot control the behaviour of a difficult colleague at work, but you can control how you perform in your role. You may want to get help in doing this from a friend or colleague as when you are stressed it can be hard to think rationally.

2. Accept that you cannot control the uncontrollable. By accepting the things that you have little or no control over you will start to feel more in control. You can choose to spend all your time on the things you can control.

3. Change your reaction to things outside your control. You can choose to change your reaction to things outside your control. For example, you cannot control another person's behaviour, but you can choose to change how you react to them.

4. Focus on what is within your control. Once you have identified the areas that are within and outside your control, focus on those areas that you have control over. You will be surprised at how much more positive your feel. 

5. Set goals, plan and take action on the areas within your control. Decide on what you want to achieve in the areas that are within your control to focus your attention. Prepare a plan and take action on these areas too. This will all help you feel more in control and less stressed.

6. Remind yourself that you have a choice. Don't forget that you have a choice about how you think and feel about things, as well as how you react to them.

Hopefully you now have some ideas to move forward positively when you are getting stressed by things outside your control.

Do you want to explore more about stress and how to reduce and manage stress?

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Categories: : Online courses, Personal development, Soft skills, Stress management