Not all stress is created equal. Stress can be positive. This good stress is called eustress.
The stress people usually think of is distress. Negative stress with the feeling of being anxious and overwhelmed drags people down, sapping their energy and draining their joy. The bad stress leaves people stuck in fight, flight or freeze mode. This can result in high blood pressure and digestive, immune and reproductive problems. There is also difficulty thinking clearly and sleeping. There are techniques to help control the bad stress. Experiencing a dose of good stress is an antidote for distress.
Eustress is about excitement and healthy challenges. It is the way it feels when trying something new, learning, exercising, pushing yourself. This kind of stress gets things done.
So, what are the things that cause the good stress? There is no list of good stressors; it depends on the individual. For some people, standing in line to ride a roller coaster would result in a big charge of happy stress; for other people, it would result in terror, another kind of bad stress. It’s the same stimulus with a different result.
Here are some other examples of situations and activities that can have wildly different reactions in different people: public speaking, open mic night, taking a test, dancing, meeting new people, traveling, hosting a party, going to the gym, participating in sports or games, any type of competition, writing a paper, starting a new job, project, class or school, making a big purchase or investment, starting a new business.
The list could be endless. For many people, just thinking of a situation or activity is enough to result in so much distress it keeps the person from trying it. For other people, they can’t wait to go.
It can be helpful to make a list of the things that evoke feelings of good or bad stress. From the list, do more of the positive ones and decide if some of the negative ones are worth trying. Knowing what is distressful and consciously deciding to make a change is the first step to a more exciting, richer life. FBN
By Don Berlyn
For more information, contact Don Berlyn, PT, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist at 928-699-8263, flaghypno@gmail.com or visit flagstaffhypnotherapy.com. Consultations are always free.