Three Research-backed Improv Tricks to Help Manage Stress

Stress isn't just an occasional visitor in our lives—it's more the house-guest who never got the hint to leave. Between economic uncertainty, workplace upheaval, rounds of layoffs and the delightful unpredictability of daily life (surprise traffic jams, anyone?), most of us are living in a near-constant state of low-grade panic.

But here is something most people d not realize: Resilience—the ability to stay calm, flexible and creative in the face of stress—isn't just an inborn trait. It's a skill. One that can be learned, practiced and strengthened. And some of the most effective tools for doing that come not only from the world of business or psychology, but also from improvisation (improv) comedy.

I stumbled on this connection more than 10 years ago. During the day, I worked with startups and leaders—after hours, I practiced and performed improv. Eventually, I noticed the overlap: The same tools that help improv comedians thrive on stage can help anyone navigate the unscripted, often absurd, realities of modern work and life.

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