Did you know your personality affects how you deal with stress? In today’s busy world, it seems like everyone’s folding under the pressure. Plenty of articles give the same old advice for stress remedies: exercise, distract yourself, and breathe deeply. But if your stress manifests differently based on your personality type, shouldn’t you get advice that’s a little more personalized?
Yes, you should. And here it is.
Every person has one of 16 personality types outlined in the Myers-Briggs system. This is just one of millions of personality tests, but it’s a great way to figure out how you think. Each of the 16 personality types thinks a little differently, which is why we’re using that scale for this list.
As for how we got the number 18, we’ve added two options for people who aren’t sure about their personality type: advice for introverts and extroverts.
You can find out your MBTI type by taking the personality test here. Once you’ve done that, scroll down for a creepy-accurate reading of your stress, and more importantly, what you can do to help.
18 Simple Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety According to Your MBTI Personality Type
1. INTJ – The Architect
You like to help things operate from the sidelines. You’re not a fan of being in the middle of the action, but you want to get things right. You can frequently be found scheming up new ways to streamline your work space.
Part of your stress is because you have a hard time dealing with emotions. You also have a hard time dealing with other people’s emotions. The INTJ type is very introverted and focused on rationality. When people behave in an irrational manner, you get nervous.
- Remember that you can’t control everything
- Take a few deep breaths
- Occupy your mind with puzzles, Sudoku, or word games
- Get some sleep
2. INTP – The Logician
If this is your personality type, congratulations! You’re a rarity. Only about three percent of the population is INTP.
The INTP is creative and inventive. They bring a vigorous intellect and unique perspective to the table. You might be known in your social circle as a philosopher or dreamer.
You sometimes get stressed communicating, when your words leave you before you’ve fully formed the thought. You’re also terrible at meeting deadlines, and crunch time makes your anxiety spike.
- Write down what you want to say instead of saying it
- Use mindfulness techniques to let your brain rest from seeking patterns
- Break projects into small bits so you can meet deadlines
3. ENTJ – The Commander
If ever there was a leader on the list, the ENTJ is it. Being a leader comes with its share of stresses, though. You feel responsible for everyone else’s work, well-being, and projects at large. You might be frustrated that other people don’t seem to be putting in as much effort as you do.
- Take a walk around your home or office building to clear your head
- Remind yourself that you cannot control everything everyone else does
- Get progress reports from your team members if you feel like a project is out of control
4. ENTP – The Debater
If you’re an ENTP, you love to consider a million different worldviews… and then argue with people who oppose them. Intellectual debate is what gets your blood going. Being right is fun.
Unfortunately, you tend to get stressed with everything unrelated to your creative ideas. Implementing new procedures makes you want to crawl up the ceiling. You may also struggle with coworkers and friends who aren’t quite so spirited in debate.
- Backtrack your thoughts until you find the source of the stress
- Disengage from debates and take a breather
- Do something fun to distract from the boring day-to-day work
5. INFJ – The Advocate
This is the rarest personality, representing less than one percent of the world’s population. INFJs are diplomats whose sense of morality and idealism always sets them on the right course. Unlike dreamier types, INFJs take concrete steps toward their goals.
The hardest thing for an INFJ is to see another person suffering and being unable to help. INFJs may also be afflicted by general depression and heightened empathy.
- Go somewhere completely free of people to recharge
- Listen to soothing music, ocean, or rain sounds
- Take a relaxing bath
- Do something kind for another person
6. INFP – The Mediator
An INFP is constantly looking for the best in people, even when the worst tragedies occur. They always want to make a situation better. Stress tends to occur when you can’t find the good in a situation, or when your attempt to better something doesn’t work.
- Wake up early to have time to yourself
- Light some scented candles
- Practice positive mental affirmations to break negative thought cycles
7. ENFJ – The Protagonist
An ENFJ is another natural leader. You might gravitate toward teaching, coaching, or politics. ENFJs have natural confidence and believe in people, which makes them great teachers. You might get stressed when you feel you aren’t teaching well enough, or your students aren’t listening.
- Remind yourself that you’re good enough as you are
- Touch base with the people around you to make sure they’re okay
- Re-evaluate plans that are causing stress
8. ENFP – The Campaigner
ENFPs are the free spirit of the group. They love to connect on an emotional and social level. An ENFP gets stressed when they spend too much time alone, or when they’re around too much negative energy.
- Change your scenery to decompress
- Watch videos of cute animals
- Make a list of ten of your favorite things to remind yourself what you love
9. ISTJ – The Logistician
This is the most abundant type. ISTJs are devoted to duty and integrity. You may get stressed when you feel your environment is corrupted or other people don’t have a sense of ethics.
- Touch base with the people around you
- Remind yourself that you only control yourself and no one else
- Make plans to address the source of the stress
10. ISFJ – The Defender
This type analyzes their surroundings and has well-developed social relationships. Even though they’re a Judging type, they tend to respond well to change. ISFJs may experience stress when they feel their efforts are going unnoticed.
- Remind yourself of prior recognition for your work
- Spend time with friends who can validate you
- Remind yourself recognition doesn’t matter as long as the work is done well
11. ESTJ – The Executive
ESTJs want everything to be in order and adhere to tradition. They’re great at building structures, but not great at tearing them down. ESTJs might get stressed when they feel their environmental structure is threatened.
- Ask yourself whether the order is truly important
- Remind yourself that you only control your own actions
- Relax your mind and open yourself to new connections
12. ESFJ – The Consul
The ESFJ type tends to be popular and outgoing, a friend to everyone. You might be stressed when things feel like they’re over your head in seriousness.
- Keep things light and relaxed
- Go out with your friends
- Find a favorite place and visit it
13. ISTP – The Virtuoso
This type is best known for being a musician. They love to move between projects and have fun, although they may not always finish what they start. Deadlines and strict rules are a source of stress.
- Break your project into bite-sized pieces
- Write down a list of reasons you love your life
- Keep track of your half-finished projects
14. ISFP – The Adventurer
As the name implies, the Adventurer likes to, well, adventure. They’re constantly taking life by the heels, and get stressed when they feel constrained.
- Find three things that make you unique
- Do something spontaneous
- Connect with your friends
15. ESTP – The Entrepreneur
These people love to dream big and follow through on their ideas. They get stressed if they feel they aren’t getting the success they’re aiming for.
- Remind yourself that you’re valid no matter what external success you have
- Organize your plans so you can see them
- Touch base with your friends
16. ESFP – The Entertainer
ESFPs are performers. They love to be in the spotlight and making people happy. They get stressed if they’re alone for too long or around too much negative energy.
- Watch happy videos
- Hang out with positive people
17. Unknown Introverts
Introverts gain energy from being alone. You might find yourself stressed if you’re around too many people for too long.
- Read a good book
- Play relaxing phone games
- Take a relaxing bath with a mug of tea
18. Unknown Extroverts
Extroverts gain energy from being around others. They get drained when they’re alone, and might be stressed if they’re isolated for too long.
- Go out to a crowded area and soak in the vibes
- Call a friend or family member
- Volunteer in your local community
Final Thoughts on Dealing With Stress Through Personality
Your personality affects why you feel stressed, how your stress expresses itself, and how you can best deal with it. When you know your personality type, you know yourself better than you ever have before. Use these tips to personalize a self-care routine for yourself. You deserve to feel good!
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