When in a situation that requires Cadance to be more serious, she has a tendency to knuckle down and focus on what needs to get done. She loses her smiles as her entire demeanor changes to a much more determined pony who will stop at nothing save dark magic to protect her loved ones. Should that mean battle, she isn't afraid to fight herself when the need arises, diving into the fray with spell and hoof at the ready. It's a trait that mirrors Celestia; not surprising given that her adoptive aunt took her under her wing at such a young age.

Of course, not all serious or stressful situations require the willpower to lock horns (sometimes literally) with an opponent. The everyday stresses of running the Crystal Empire could easily overwhelm someone after a while. However, as the stress begins to build up, she will pause to perform a breathing exercise to help release some of the tension to allow her to think more clearly. This technique she taught to Twilight long before her sister-in-law gained her own set of wings.