How to Reframe Stress and Take Back Your Purpose and Power
Learn the Difference Between Macro and Micro Stress
Let’s face it — life is full of stress. Whether it’s deadlines at work, personal responsibilities piling up, or just a Zoom link that refuses to work, stress comes in many shapes and sizes.
But here’s the good news: Not all stress is created equal.
And when you can tell the difference, you can start to take back control.
The other day, I went to the bank to withdraw some cash, only to find the ATM out of order. Frustrated, I walked inside and was immediately met with a long line. As I stood there, I could feel the hair on the back of my neck rise—annoyance and stress creeping in. I waited about six minutes to reach the teller, all the while feeling irritated that what should’ve been a quick task was dragging out. But then I caught myself. I thought, this isn’t a macro stress—no one is dying, the world isn’t ending. It just took ten minutes longer than expected. In the end, it really wasn’t a big deal.
The Fast-Paced World We Live In
The pace of life today is relentless. We're constantly bombarded with change, expectations, and information. It's no wonder our fuses are shorter and our nervous systems more overloaded than ever. While tools like breath work, meditation, and mindset shifts are incredibly valuable, there's another simple, practical approach that often gets overlooked:
Learn to identify your stress as either macro or micro.
What’s the Difference?
Macro Stress: The Big Stuff
Macro stresses are the significant, often life-altering events. These are the moments that truly shake us — and understandably so.
Some examples of macro stress include:
The loss of a loved one
Serious illness (your own or a loved one’s)
Job loss or career upheaval
Natural disasters or large-scale emergencies
Financial hardship due to rising costs or unexpected expenses
These are real stressors. They deserve time, space, support, and sometimes even professional help. Trying to “power through” these without acknowledging their impact can be harmful in the long run.
Micro Stress: The Daily Glitches
Micro stresses, on the other hand, are the everyday annoyances that can chip away at your peace of mind. They’re not life-threatening — but they are draining, especially when they pile up.
Examples of micro stress include:
A document that didn’t save
Technology not working right before a big meeting
Being stuck in traffic
Running from one meeting to the next without a break
A miscommunication with a coworker or partner
These are the kinds of things that make you sigh or mutter under your breath. But here’s the key: they’re temporary and often not worth the emotional real estate we give them.
Why This Matters
When you take a moment to ask, “Is this macro or micro?”, you create a powerful pause.
That pause gives you perspective.
Instead of spiraling into frustration or panic, you can meet the moment with the appropriate response.
If it’s macro — slow down, seek support, and take it seriously. And look for the good if possible.
If it’s micro — breathe, laugh it off, fix it if you can, and move on.
This small act of awareness helps reduce chronic stress and may even lower your risk for long-term health conditions tied to constant anxiety, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and burnout.
A Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Recognizing the type of stress you’re facing isn’t just a self-help tip — it’s a mindset shift. It’s a way to reclaim your emotional energy, set better boundaries, and move through life with a little more grace and humor.
The next time you're feeling the heat, try this 3-step check-in:
Pause
Label the stress: Macro or Micro?
Respond accordingly
Sometimes you’ll find that what feels like a five-alarm fire is actually just a flicker.
You’re In Charge
Stress is going to show up — that’s just life. But when you become more intentional about how you handle it, you’ll find that you feel less overwhelmed, more resilient, and more in control of your day.
So take a deep breath.
Name the stress.
And choose your next step with confidence.
Vibe Check -
What kind of stress are you feeling today — macro or micro?