Let’s be honest — almost everyone has felt stressed or anxious at some point, especially with everything going on in the world today.
But did you know that chronic stress doesn’t just mess with your mood? It can actually lead to serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, dementia, and even shorten your life.
With nearly half of Americans frequently dealing with these feelings, finding healthy ways to cope is more important than ever.
Bear Grylls Shares How Military Training Helped Him Handle Stress
Survival expert and TV personality Bear Grylls, who once almost became Britain’s Ambassador to the U.S., opened up about how he learned to manage stress during his military days. His first piece of advice? Talk about it.
Grylls says, “It’s important to know the power of sharing struggles and fears with a good friend. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.”
For him, vocalizing worries helps turn stress into something more manageable.
Accepting What You Can’t Control and Knowing Tough Times Pass
Another key insight from Grylls is accepting that many stressful situations are out of our control — and they usually don’t last forever.
He reminds us, “The battle won’t last forever and often the hardest moments come just before things change for the better.”
This mindset of patience and perspective can make a huge difference when life feels overwhelming.
Cold Showers and Water Therapy Help Boost Mental Strength
If you’re looking for a physical trick to beat stress, Grylls swears by cold water therapy.
Known for enduring freezing temperatures on shows like Man vs. Wild, he finds that cold showers “invigorate you like nothing else.”
An Italian study in 2021 supports this, showing that people who bathe in cold water feel better overall and cope with stress more effectively.
Grylls suggests trying one minute of cold water at the end of your shower as a simple way to build discipline and confidence.
Eating Natural Foods Can Lift Your Mood and Keep You Sharp
What you eat matters, too. Grylls prefers natural, whole foods because they “help boost your mood and keep you mentally sharp.”
This aligns with a 2023 Brazilian study that found depression rates were about 80% higher in people who ate lots of ultra-processed foods like cookies, chips, and frozen meals.
Mental health experts explain that diet affects brain chemistry, sleep, physical health, and even how we feel about ourselves.
Grylls advises steering clear of processed foods that can drag your mood down.
Exercise and Nature Are Powerful Stress Relievers
Daily exercise is another cornerstone of Grylls’ stress-busting routine.
Thanks to his military background, he maintains strict discipline and trains regularly to stay fit.
But even starting small counts — a short walk outdoors can make a noticeable difference in lowering stress.
Emotional Support Matters Whether from People or Pets
Grylls also highlights the importance of having an emotional support system, whether it’s family, friends, or furry companions.
He has two dogs and says, “My family would be lost without them.”
Science backs this up: petting a dog lowers stress hormones and raises oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that helps bond humans and animals alike.
Choosing Your Attitude Can Change Your Day
Finally, Grylls encourages people to “choose your attitude each morning.”
Despite facing serious setbacks — including breaking his back in Africa while serving as a soldier — he never gave up hope.
He shared, “I was told I might not walk again properly and spent many months in military rehab.
It killed my confidence as much as my physicality, and I had to build both back up.”
His powerful message? “You are never done until you’re done.
The toughest moments can be the beginning of something better. Never give up hope.”