Nowadays, we are more prone to chronic stress negatively impacting us, but did you know about positive stress? Well, it affects us in a positive way too, plus we also enjoy it!
In our, conscious and unconscious, mind and actions/behaviours lies all the tools necessary to cope with the stressors and see the positive in them.
Let’s delve into the world of stressors: Positive and Negative:
What is Stress?
According to Health Journals,
Stress is defined as the body’s response to any demand or challenge. It can be triggered by both positive and negative experiences. The hormones adrenalin (epinephrine) and cortisol, cause the fight-or-flight response, which tells us whether to resist and face the threat or flee from it.
Real Life Example: When you’re walking next to a road, and a speeding car suddenly approaches you. The stress makes you more attentive, making you react quickly to prevent danger. However, humans cannot manage persistent, long-term stress without suffering ill effects.
In Simpler Terms, Stress is the body’s natural response to dangerous circumstances, whether they are actual or only perceived as such.
Eustress Vs. Distress: Understanding the Difference
What is Positive Stress?
Positive stress, also known as Eustress, is a type of stress that has positive impact on a person’s life.
When one completes a stressful task, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
By taking on challenges that match your skill level, you can improve your ability to manage and cope with stress, leading to a healthier and happier life.
Example: Imagine that you are giving a presentation. Your palms start to sweat, and you start having a face-off with your nerves.
At the beginning of this stressful period, you struggle to get the ball rolling, meaning you face difficulty in speaking, keeping your mind clear and not foggy or zone out.
As more time passes by, you get more comfortable whilst presenting. Hence, your body language and ability to engage with your audience becomes more sensible.
Signs :
- Positive stress that motivates and energizes us.
- Enhances performance and promotes growth.
- Short-term and manageable.
- Example: excitement, anticipation, or the thrill of a challenge.
What is Negative Stress?
‘Distress’ is the unwanted guest at the stress party, the kind that offers no real benefits: no clear purpose or objective.
Unlike ‘eustress,’ which is the positive stress that motivates and propels us toward achievable goals, distress provides nothing but harm to your health, both mental and physical.
For example, a coworker spills coffee on jane’s favorite shirt at work. Instead of acceptance, she begins catastrophizing.
“This event ruined my day, and it will never get any better,” she thinks.
In Negative Vs. Positive stress, distress is the one without a cause – a burdensome load that brings no rewards.
Signs:
- Negative stress that overwhelms and hinders well-being.
- Causes anxiety, discomfort, and harm.
- Prolonged distress can lead to physical and mental health issues.
- Example: chronic worry, fear, and adverse life events.
EFFECTS OF Distress/Chronic STRESS:
Mental Response
I. Getting easily upset, frustrated, and being grumpy.
II. Overwhelmed and the urge to regain control. Might lose control.
III. Anxious Thoughts, difficulty in unwinding and keeping your mind quiet.
Physical Response
I. Migraines
II. An upset stomach with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
III. Muscle tension, aches, and pains
IV. Rapid heartbeat and chest pain
V. Shortness of breath due to panic attack
VI. A dry tongue and difficulty swallowing
VII. Tense jaw and teeth grinding
Cognitive Response
I. Constant anxiety
II. Rapid-fire ideas
III. Forgetting things and being disorganized
IV. Diffiult to concentrate
V. Having a pessimistic outlook or only considering the negative
Differentiation between Positive and Negative Stress:
Much of what differentiates positive stress from negative is personal. There are two main reasons for this:
1} There needs to be a level of “Excitement” involved in the stressful situation to be considered Positive Stress.
Example: For one individual, rock climbing might be so terrifying and overwhelming. For another, it might provide them with a fun challenge to grow as a person.
2} There must be involvement of “Purpose” in your stressful situation.
For instance, a fighter goes through tons of stressful training during his camp with a specific goal in his mind: win the championship belt.
The purpose of winning a championship belt helped him go through that enormous amount of stress with a smile on his face.
Changing your perspective of the so-called “Stressful situation” and attaching some sort of meaning or purpose to it can help you navigate through the stressor with ease.
More Characteristics: (Positive Vs. Negative Stress)
Positive Stress or Eustress:
- Motivation and Goal-Oriented:
Eustress comes from a clear motive or goal, such as enthusiasm to pursue achievements and overcome challenges. - Enhanced Performance:
The motivation to perform well and be productive, Eustress comes in the form of focus, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. - Positive Emotional Response:
Excitement and anticipation about your motives, Eustress generates positive emotions, such as a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
Negative Stress or Distress:
- Lacks Clear Purpose:
Distress comes from a clear motive or objective goal, causing a sense of overwhelm without any constructive purpose. - Chronic and Persistent:
Distress tends to be chronic and persistent, not only health-wise but it also sits in our minds over an extended period, leading to a continuous state of heightened stress and tension. - Negative Impact on Performance:
Distress hampers performance and cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in concentrating, enthusiasm, and decision-making. - Emotional Turmoil:
Difficult emotions such as anxiety, fear, and frustration are Distress-Induced, creating a cycle of emotional turmoil that can be challenging to ignore.
How stress can be good for you?
Stress, when harnessed with purpose and directed at a specific goal, can act as a motivator and catalyst for achievement.
For instance, an athlete pushing their limits during training experiences stress on the body, leading to strengthened muscles and improved endurance. This positive stress contributes to overall physical well-being.
Another example, the stress of completing a challenging project at work can lead to a sense of accomplishment, boosting overall mood and motivation.
All these “stressors” have purpose and meaning attached to it.
How to achieve more ‘Positive Stress‘ in Your Life?
Adult and teenage stress and anxiety is getting more common, requiring more attention to the serious issue. There are many ways to achieve more positive stress in your life:
1. Exercise:
Physical activity combats inflammation, paving the way for an improved emotional state.
Enhanced blood and oxygen flow helps to achieve clear skin and heightens cognitive function to improve focus and concentration.
2. Set Goals:
Set Goals that match your skill level.
Imagine yourself in a video game. You start at level 5, and the levels above are all locked. Only by beating level 5 can you advance to the next level, showcasing the concept of Positive Vs. Negative Stress, where the challenge motivates your progress. It continues until you reach level 100.
However, after getting there, it doesn’t seem as daunting as it used to be in the beginning, because you invested time and acquired the necessary skills to complete it.
Such is an example of life. Focus on your next move, which corresponds to level 5, rather than level 100, which is still locked.
3. Try New Activities:
Take up a new sport, sit down for 5 minutes without technology, address the battles in your mind, journal about your feelings and emotions on your ‘burnt out’ days, and regaining strength to fight back can help you achieve balance.
These activities stimulate your mind and body in such a way that engaging in them in the present moment might not feel rewarding, but it pays you heavily in the long run.
4. Speaking:
We develop a sense of self-care when we talk to ourselves about everyday circumstances or things.
Slowly begin talking to yourself in a supportive and upbeat manner. This self-affirmation reinforces our self-worth, capabilities, and potential for success.
Self-talk enables us to design tactics, hope for positive outcomes, and practice difficult circumstances. This mental preparation results in self-assurance when dealing with real-life situations, and combats self-doubt.“
“Every significant change starts at a micro-level. If you were to divert the angle of a rocket by a few degrees, it wouldn’t land on the moon”
Conclusion :
In today’s world, stress is a regular companion. It has two distinct flavors and isn’t just one single force.
Negative Stress, triggered by our fight-or-flight response, can damage our physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
On the other hand, Positive Stress, known as Eustress, can inspire growth, achievement, and improved health.
This understanding of Positive vs Negative Stress can help us to change chronic stress into personal through personal “Excitement & Purpose“. To achieve more Positive Stress, exercise, goal-setting, new experiences, and positive self-talk are key.
Remember, stress isn’t the enemy – it is how we perceive and wield it that matters.
(FAQs):
1. What is stress and how does it affect the body?
Stress is the body’s response to dangerous circumstances, whether they are real or perceived. It triggers the fight-or-flight response, impacting various bodily systems such as the immune, digestive system.
2. What determines if stress is positive or negative?
Differentiation between positive and negative stress often depends on personal factors. Positive stress typically involves excitement and a sense of purpose in challenging situations.
3. What are some strategies to achieve more positive stress in life?
To achieve more positive stress, one can engage in regular exercise, set achievable goals, try new activities, and practice positive self-talk.
4. Why is it important to perceive and manage stress effectively?
It is crucial to perceive and manage stress effectively because stress is a regular part of life. In Positive vs Negative Stress, How we perceive and differentiate these stressors affects our well-being.
Very peaceful. message in the article
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