Scientists have discovered a simple way to reduce stress and regain control of life.

The key to reducing daily stress is a sense of control over the situation. People who felt more confident in their actions were 62% more likely to be able to solve everyday problems during the day. The effect increased with age, which indicates a person's ability to improve stress management over time. This was reported in the journal Science Daily.

Even a slight increase in the sense of control helps to cope faster with annoying factors: from household breakdowns to conflicts at work. People who felt they could influence the situation were more likely to take concrete steps to solve it: they called the master, discussed problems with loved ones, or found other ways out of stress.

"Even a slight increase in the sense of control increases the likelihood that a stressful situation will be resolved. The ability to find and use these control zones in everyday life can not only reduce stress levels, but also promote long—term health and well-being," said David Almeida, professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University and lead author of the article.

More than 1,700 adults from the National Survey of Everyday Experience (MIDUS) participated in the project. For eight days, they reported daily on stressful situations and assessed how much they could influence their outcome. After 10 years, the same participants took the survey again, which allowed them to compare the changes with age.

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Scientists have found that the sense of control fluctuates from day to day and depends on specific circumstances. However, the general trend was obvious: people who felt "some" or "significant" control were more likely to achieve stress resolution, regardless of its type.

The authors of the study emphasized that a sense of control can be developed. This is facilitated by simple practices such as prioritization, splitting tasks into smaller steps, keeping lists, or reflecting at the end of the day. These methods create a sense of progress and reduce anxiety.

On October 3, BBC Science Focus magazine reported that loneliness, namely, time alone, can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental and emotional well—being. Research shows that being alone helps the body recover, relieves stress, and improves the quality of life.

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