by Adrienne Jordan

So we turned to five men we admiresuccessful doctors and researchers whose to-do lists are as baffling as their C.V.sto find out how they manage to thrive under pressure. Here, a few of Mens Healths top advisors reveal what works for them.

David L. Katz, M.D. Founding Director, The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center

Dr. Katz practices the same holistic approach he preaches. He eats a <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a19522319/should-you-try-a-vegan-diet/" id="33cad7b1-0976-3f91-a40d-ae63e7a70ee2"> plant-based diet </a> , exercises every day, doesnt smoke or drink excessively, and aims to get enough <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/sleep/" id="4265759e-27e8-326a-a057-9b3a306bed96"> sleep </a> .

One of his favorite stress-relievers: Hugging his wife and kids.

If all those healthy habits sound like a lot of work, Dr. Katz says they actually have a snowball effect: Sleeping well helps me have the energy to exercise, which in turn helps relieve stress further and sharpen my mind. I often get work done inside my head while exercising.

<h1> DONT WASTE ENERGY ON THINGS THAT ARE OUT OF YOUR CONTROL </h1>

Travis Stork, M.D. Emergency physician; host, The Doctors

It was easy to get overwhelmed early in my career, but Ive learned to focus my energy on the things I can control and let go of those that I cannot, says Dr. Stork, who works in the high-pressure worlds of medicine and television.

When things are particularly stressful, hell turn his attention inward to regroup. I take time to take a few deep breaths throughout the day, which is a big help, he says.

Dr. Stork also exercises every day, even when hes swamped. My secret: I started biking to work when I was in my twenties, and to this day I bike almost everywhere, whether it be to work, the gym, or the grocery store.

Related: <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/g19520471/best-new-bikes-for-men/" id="3cc72763-9df5-32a9-a280-a8514af0fb03"> The Best New Bikes For Men </a>

Mark S. Wolff, D.D.S., Ph.D. Family practice dentist in Stony Brook, N.Y.; professor at New York University College of Dentistry

Dr. Wolffs strategy for reducing stress at work is simple: I count on knowing my subject really wellbetter than many around me, he says. I read journals on my area of expertise voraciously.

Of course, everyone gets caught off guard once in a while. And when that happens, Dr. Wolff, once again, has a straightforward, stress-free solution: Im prepared to say, I don't know, but I will find out.

He admits to not getting as much exercise or sleep as he should, largely due to his demanding schedulesomething you can probably relate to. So when things get especially hectic, he takes what he can get.

I try to walk to work and take the stairs, he says. That helps me focus. I also take time to do the things that I like to do when I can, like working around my home or boat, gardening, construction, or engine work.

<h1> ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR STRESS, THEN MOVE ON </h1>

Adnan Nasir, M.D., Ph.D. Dermatologist in Raleigh, N.C.

Before Dr. Nasir even attempts to tackle the stress hes feeling in a given situation, he tries to understand it.

I find its not enough to just say a situation is stressful or overwhelming, he says.

Thinking through the details can help put the stress in perspective and your mind at ease.

What exactly is causing the stress? he asks himself. Deadlines? Multiple tasks? How does it make me feel? Anxious? Annoyed? Overwhelmed?

Then he talks himself through the situation, starting with the acknowledgement that, yes, it is stressfulbut also manageable.

I follow that with a brief pep talk, like, You can do this, or, Thats nothing to worry about. And then he moves on.

Related: <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a19520389/supercharge-your-swagger/" id="59abed8a-ebe8-30ea-a9b0-0f5c8758a7c1"> Every Man Can Exude ConfidenceAs Long As He Follows These 3 Steps </a>

Alexander Koch, Ph.D. Professor of exercise science at Lenoir-Rhyne University; USA Weightlifting coach

My best advice is to be aware that making time to exercise will make you more productive doing all the other things you are obligated to do, Koch says.

Exercise has a powerful balancing influence on your brains neurotransmitters.

(For the incredible science of how exercise boosts your brainpower, read <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19519812/the-science-of-running-part-1/" id="bcee79eb-3eef-30f0-aff5-8aa7e67e0c4e"> The Genius Of Cardio </a> .)

One effect of this is that exercise improves concentration, so if I skip workouts because I am too busy, I find I get less done at work than if I stick to my routine.

How to Stay Calm and Focused On Insanely Busy Days

Any shrink can give you <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/health/g19547023/stress-free-life/" id="b964f491-865d-37ad-a2ae-187b4e158fcd"> stress-reduction techniques </a> but we wanted to know what really works.

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by Adrienne Jordan

Articles written by the author

How to Stay Calm and Focused On Insanely Busy Days