When stress is good for you

We hear a lot about negative effects of stress on our health. Every day we are given advice on how to reduce it’s impact, relax and find ways to live as stress-free life as possible. And while it is all valid and necessary we still need stress in our lives to a certain degree.

It’s all in your perspective

Stress can give us a boost of energy. We usually feel pressure when there are tasks to be completed within time frame; we are in a rush to accomplish as much as possible in a day or we feel challenged and unsure of what future holds for us. In those moments stress is a way in which our body and mind keep us alert and energized.
Just think and try to remember some of the situations in your life that you labelled “stressful”. Is there any chance that at these very moments you rose to the challenge and were at your best, more focused and determined to get things done as quickly as possible?

When stress is good for you

Indeed long-term stress can have a significant impact on our health. So what matters most is how we experience it and what we make out of the stressful situations in our lives. It’s a matter of perception. Very often it’s a choice of attitude as we know that two different people will have a different approach to the same situation. Opportunity for one person will be an obstacle for another.

The truth is that we will always experience a certain level of stress. It is a natural way of functioning for every human being. It’s inevitable. However if we choose to see it as a way of adding excitement and buzz to live, we could potentially start appreciating moderate levels of stress every day.

What matters is the way in which we use this energy and what we tell ourselves about it. So look at your everyday challenges and see how you can channel the stress energy into impressive action, productivity and personal effectiveness. Don’t rush to put a “stress” label on every situation. You have a power to see it differently, the power to control you reaction and the power over steps that you take in that moment. Take the challenge and turn it into a proof of your abilities, talents and strength. Recognise the sense of accomplishment and enjoy it.

Good stress exists and if you look forward to it and respond to it in a positive way you might also see a long term benefits of more energy and focus in your life.

Author : Joanna Sobczak