Discovering your stress recovery personality lowers stress!
According to my research for my new book, Stress-Proof Your Life, job stress is at epidemic levels. Most stress reduction strategies tend toward the quiet, contemplative activities. These activities work well for some people, but for others… sitting quietly and concentrating on their breathing increases their stress because they can’t shut off thinking about the things causing them stress.
Border Collies need distracting, engaging, active activities to shut down the release of the stress hormone cortisol and allow the body to recover.
Iguanas can calm the body and process cortisol through occupying activities (such as reading or hobbies) or inner-focused activities (such as yoga or meditation).
One isn’t better than the other – they are both effective… for the right people.
What is your stress recovery personality? Take the quiz here.
You may not be 100% Iguana or Border Collie.
Often we land somewhere in between Iguana and Border Collie. Sometime we might need to get out and exercise to get rid of stress while other times we might need a quiet evening at home.
The point is to understand what works to lower your cortisol level, feel better, and get more of the important things done.
So now what?
Share your results!
Please leave a comment about your results and any questions you might have about stress recovery below.
7 Responses to “Are You An Iguana or a Border Collie?”
Hi Eliz~ Thank you for the Iguana and Border Collie comparison. I can be either, and understand each have their own stress reduction paths, depending on what I am that day. Some days I want to mindlessly paddle my kayak, and some days I want to paddle to a spot and mindfully listen to my surroundings. Most importantly, as a problem solver you pointed out that we are always looking for problems to resolve, and we need to refocus that negative stimulation to look for what is good such as celebrating all victories for Wooho Wednesdays. Thank you, Keith~
Thanks Keith! I call that being on Team Iguana-Collie in the book! I’m in that boat (see what I did there) too.
Prior to taking your quiz, I thought I was an iquana. Turns out, I’m a border collie, which makes sense because I often find runs and walks most effective for the time to digest and problem solve my stresses. I thought I was an iquana because I enjoy reading for personal and professional growth and reflecting in my downtime. Now I’ll try to focus on more activities instead. Thanks!
Eliz,
Thanks for being our speaker at our meeting in Winthrop Harbor yesterday. When you hear from a speaker that makes you reflect and think, you know that you have heard something worthwhile. And it was. Thanks again!
Thank you, Perry! I’m delighted to hear you found it valueable.
I am definitely an iguana. I felt definitively more energized after watching your presentation. We have just returned from our fall break, and that could also be why I feel the way I do. I wish I was able to attend your talk in person, however, I am glad to be able to participate online. Thank you for the great session. You have given me some new tools to add to my existing toolset.
Thanks Caroline – I’m glad you found the program valuable!!