Why Some Stress is Good for You
There will always be stress in our lives. There is some good stress and some bad stress.
People think of stress as “pressure” or “tension”. I like to think of stress as being just the way we respond to change! When you understand stress and the effects that it can have on you, you can use it to your own advantage, and turn potential “stressors” into “positive challenges.”
Positive and Negative
Most people equate stressors, or things that cause stress, as negative. The instigator could be traffic, a difficult job, or divorce. During theses stressful times, often people become aware of tense muscles, headaches, or stomach aches during, before or after such situations.
But stressors can also be very positive experiences. Having a wedding, a baby, or pitching a perfect no-hit baseball game are examples of changes that can activate your stress response.
The Mechanics of Stress
Your body reacts to stress in many ways. Stress is defined as a response by your body to any demand made upon it.
Hormones, like adrenalin, surge. Your blood pressure and heartbeat increases. These effects on human beings have been unchanged for thousands of years. Our prehistoric ancestors used this response to help them run away faster, or fight harder. That is why this reaction is known as the “fight or flight” response. It is a natural response when your mind senses the need.
The Effects of Stress
The problem with this automatic response is that the body can’t tell the difference between a positive or negative stressor. In either case, your body experiences the same stress effects.
If you are not able to vent by letting off steam somehow, if you don’t learn to relax, these effects can be harmful. During periods of stress you may feel exhausted or anxious. You may experience physical symptoms such as a clenched jaw or shoulder and backache.
If you are able, during these times, take care by getting plenty of rest, eating healthily, exercising and practicing some form of meditation or quiet time.
Alcohol or drugs do not help the situation.
If you are someplace where you are unable to practice the techniques listed above, FOR YOUR SAKE, use your oxygen as a magical and secret weapon. Breathe deeply and exhale slowly and fully. When stress enters we withdraw our oxygen supply to a minimum. This exasperates the tightening of muscles and ligaments. It can cause headaches, and only makes the situation much worse.
Think of your oxygen relaxing and regenerating you. Know that the oxygen will make your intellect finer. These are changes that happen to the human body, automatically, just by breathing mindfully.
Stress is like a body temperature; if it’s too low or to high, you can’t survive optimally, but the right balance can keep you going strong. Consider life’s stressors challenges, experiences and wisdom builders.
You can use this mindful breathing even when you are not feeling overwhelmed. Now take a breath and have a wonderful day!