Volatility is normal in any market and losses can feel sharp in the moment You have seen downturns across the years yet history shows declines are often followed by recovery You can keep perspective by focusing on a clear process Ground choices in your goals time horizon and simple decision rules Financial behaviorist Jacquette M Timmons MBA urges limiting exposure to alarming headlines so emotion does not drive action Safe-haven assets have rallied when equities sell off and the market s worst days often sit near its best days This guide will show how psychology shapes reactions and offer practical steps information filters portfolio disciplines and rules that help investors act deliberately rather than react Key Takeaways Accept that uncertainty is inherent in any market cycle Use a written plan tied to goals and time horizon Limit news intake and set clear decision rules Remember past recoveries staying invested often matters Apply simple portfolio disciplines during volatility Focus on process over panic to improve long-term outcomes Why you panic when the stock market drops and what your intent should be in a downturn When prices fall quickly your brain treats a market drop like a threat That reaction comes from emotions and a built-in response designed to protect you It can push you toward decisions that lock in losses instead of protecting long-term gains Your informational intent is simple stay calm protect your plan and avoid panic-driven choices Name your goals and state your time horizon before checking balances That... Login to read full