Yes to Stress - NO to DIStress

We’ve all heard the term “stress management”. Stress comes from many sources and takes many forms and it DOES impact us. No matter how organized, flexible, or laid back we are, sooner or later we get stressed. Life happens - but we can learn some effective ways to cope with the stressors in our lives.

Stress is both good and bad. Good stress can excite and motivate us. It keeps us engaged in the world. We know we get bored when stress levels are too low and nothing much is required of us. A task or an event can cause some anxiety, that jumpy feeling in our stomach, and keep us awake at night – but it can also sharpen our thinking and boost our energy. We get fired up! We love the challenge!

The bad stress is the kind that causes distress and includes three components: the things that cause distress, like danger or illness; the internal negative feelings, such as worry, anger, depression; and the physical or biological changes, including increased heart and respiration rates, headaches, or stomach upset. When stress levels are too high for too long it becomes distress and emotional and physical damage begins to occur. Our goal is to find the right level of energizing stress and avoid disabling distress. A place to begin is to see distress as a signal to change our thinking or behavior – to realize that our responses are not serving us.

Have you heard the phrase “Change your thinking, change your life”? It contains much truth. No circumstance or event has meaning until we make an interpretation and attach meaning. Stress does not exist outside of you. It happens inside your mind and body and you are completely in charge of your stress level. We can’t choose our circumstances, but we can choose our response to them and prevent becoming distressed. Remember, circumstances change and this, too, shall pass.

We will talk more about stress next week. In the meantime ask yourself:
- What perceptions/interpretations do I have that increase stress levels?
- Where do I experience distress in my body?
- What negative coping mechanisms do I use?

Try experimenting with your self talk. Instead of saying, “When ________ happens I get furious!” try saying, “When _________ happens I feel mildly annoyed.” Notice what happens inside yourself when you change the level of stress with your language. Observe your responses this week and let me know what happens.

If you are experiencing distress and feel overwhelmed, call or e-mail. Let’s talk about it. Check out the website for more information and a free Stress Assessment