4 Ways To Make Stress Work In Your Favor

In the fast-paced world we live in, stress is an ever-present companion, often looming in the background of our daily lives. But what if we told you that not all stress is detrimental? In fact, when understood and harnessed correctly, stress can become an ally rather than an adversary.

In This Article

How Can Stress Be Positive

Navigating and Taming Stress

10 Ways to Make Stress Work in Your Favor

1. Maintain a Positive Outlook

2. Reframe Your Perspectives

3. Anchor in Core Beliefs

4. Seek Inspiration from Role Models

5. Confront Your Fears

6. Delve into Your Spirituality

8. Incorporate Physical Activity

9. Invest in Continuous Learning

10. Pursue Purpose and Meaning

Summary

NextEvo Recommendations for Stress Relief

FAQs

Why do we need stress in our lives?

Why should we embrace stress rather than avoid it?

How can I effectively handle stress?

How does chronic stress manifest itself?

Is there a term for beneficial stress?

Sources

Health professionals differentiate between two primary types of stress: "eustress" and "distress". Eustress, often labeled as the "good" stress, is acute and can act as a motivator, enhancing focus and performance.

Conversely, distress, or chronic stress, is the villain in our story, with prolonged exposure leading to physical effects such as fatigue, headaches.. We’ll dive into these concepts further later in the blog.

But the line between eustress and distress isn’t rigid. With the right knowledge and approach, we can navigate this complex landscape of stress, turning potential pitfalls into stepping stones.

This transformative perspective doesn't just acknowledge the physical and psychological effects of stress; it actively engages with them, setting the stage for a healthier, more proactive relationship with life's challenges.

Continue reading to dive deeper into the intricacies of stress, its potential benefits, and practical strategies to harness it effectively. We'll also explore how CBD can be a supportive tool in this journey, and provide insights into recognizing and mitigating the risks of stress.

The Spectrum of Stress

Whether it's a fleeting annoyance or a monumental shift in our lives, stress manifests in diverse ways, prompting our bodies into a defensive mode, readying us to either confront or escape the situation.

As we briefly mentioned in the introduction, broadly speaking, stress can be categorized into two primary buckets: acute, which is short-lived, and chronic, which lingers and persists.

Acute Stress

Think of acute stress as life's quick jolts. It's the rapid response we feel when faced with immediate challenges, be it a heated disagreement with a colleague or the nervous butterflies before an important test. This type of stress is momentary, often dissipating once the triggering event concludes.

Chronic Stress

On the other hand, chronic stress is like a shadow that constantly trails us. It arises when we're ensnared in prolonged periods of emotional strain, often stemming from persistent challenges such as long-term unemployment or an agonizing separation.

While both acute and chronic stress activate similar physiological responses, chronic stress, with its enduring nature, can wreak more havoc, casting long-lasting repercussions on our physical and emotional well-being.

How Can Stress Be Positive

Contrary to the pervasive belief that stress is solely detrimental, it can, in fact, be a driving and beneficial force when understood and harnessed correctly. While prolonged or chronic stress, characterized by excessive worry and tension, undeniably brings about issues like accelerated aging and oxidative damage, not all stress falls into this category.

Enter eustress: this positive form of stress emerges from situations like engaging in an intense workout, transitioning to a new residence, or embarking on a fresh career path. According to a study in the journal, Psychoneuroendocrinology, eustress offers a myriad of benefits such as decreasing oxidative damage and bolstering both psychological and physical resilience.

More than just these physical benefits, eustress serves as a catalyst for personal growth. It boosts confidence, ignites passion for life, aids in goal achievement, and fosters motivation to persevere.

However, tapping into these advantages requires a proactive approach. Recognizing and addressing signs of distress early on, setting realistic and attainable goals, and incorporating techniques like those we’ll discuss in the next section are all important to taming stress.

Navigating and Taming Stress

While stress can seem all-consuming and overpowering, you hold the power to mitigate its effects and even harness it for your advantage. Incorporating relaxation practices, for instance, meditation, has been shown through research to not only diminish anxiety levels but also enhance the overall health of the mind and body.

Recognizing the situations or factors that spark your stress is the first step towards effective management and greater resilience. Equipping yourself with robust coping mechanisms, fostering a reliable circle of support, and dedicating time to activities that rejuvenate and care for your well-being are essential pillars in turning stress from a foe into a friend.

10 Ways to Make Stress Work in Your Favor

Embracing stress doesn't mean succumbing to its pressures, but understanding its inevitability and learning how to channel it for constructive purposes. When harnessed correctly, stress can be a catalyst for growth and positive change. Here are some tips to help you make stress work in your favor:

1. Maintain a Positive Outlook

Is your perspective one of a glass half-full or half-empty? Those who lean towards optimism generally enjoy better health, longevity, and display heightened resilience. They eagerly welcome new challenges, viewing change as a stepping stone and risk as a doorway to opportunities. Thus, stress becomes not an obstacle, but a path to growth.

2. Reframe Your Perspectives

Perception is not set in stone; it’s malleable through conscious effort and understanding. Just as individuals in studies can perceive stress either as a threat or an opportunity, we too can consciously choose to see difficulties as chances for growth.

3. Anchor in Core Beliefs

Rooted in our values, worldviews, and life ambitions, strong and positive core beliefs bolster our stress response. Counterproductive beliefs can hinder our response to challenges, whereas positive ones foster determination and perseverance.

4. Seek Inspiration from Role Models

Knowing you’re not alone in adversity can be uplifting. Learning from those who've triumphed over similar challenges can fortify your own resolve against stressors.

5. Confront Your Fears

Evading problems only magnifies stress. Face challenges head-on, as doing so not only alleviates immediate stress but also fosters a better response to future obstacles.

6. Delve into Your Spirituality

Studies link robust faith and spirituality to effective stress coping strategies. Whether religious or a broader sense of connection to the universe, strong spiritual beliefs cultivate optimism, a sense of connectedness, and tranquility.

7. Embrace Social Connectivity

As highlighted in Dr. McGonigal's TEDTalk, social connections, seeking or offering support are potent stress-relievers. Instead of internalizing stress, reaching out and forging connections can be incredibly powerful.

8. Incorporate Physical Activity

The adage of a sound body promoting a sound mind holds truth. Regular physical activity not only strengthens the body but also dispels stress, fostering a healthier mindset.

9. Invest in Continuous Learning

Constant self-education and intellectual engagement fortify resilience. Expanding knowledge across various domains like emotional intelligence, psychology, and current affairs provides broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of stress triggers.

10. Pursue Purpose and Meaning

Having clear objectives and a defined life purpose empowers you to navigate stress more efficiently. Purpose-driven individuals are more emotionally grounded, and when your journey has clear intent, resilience becomes a steadfast companion.

Summary

Is it possible to master stress? To turn it into an ally? The evidence suggests we can. The potency of our mindset should never be overlooked. It's not merely the sagely figures who assert that our thoughts mold our experiences.

Scientific research also validates that our perceptions of the world directly influence our responses, both mentally and physically. Now's the moment to shift perspectives and embrace stress as a companion on your journey.

NextEvo Recommendations for Stress Relief

CBD or Cannabidoil, a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, has garnered significant attention for its potential in managing stress. It doesn't produce the "high" commonly associated with cannabis but has been demonstrated in numerous studies to help in mitigating stress in diverse ways.

For those struggling with sleep due to stress, CBD has been recognized for its calming properties, potentially aiding better sleep quality, as highlighted in a study published in the Permanente Journal. Furthermore, a study from the journal Neurotherapeutics suggests CBD might also assist in diminishing the fear response often elicited by stressful stimuli.

NextEvo offers specialized products tailored to address stress:

Stress CBD Complex Gummies (60 ct) Found at NextEvo Stress CBD Complex Gummies, these gummies infuse the stress-relieving benefits of CBD in a palatable form. Designed for those seeking a holistic approach to stress management, these gummies offer a convenient and tasty way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine.
Stress Reset Extra Strength Ashwagandha Gummies (60 ct) Available at NextEvo Stress Reset Ashwagandha Gummies, these gummies harness the power of Ashwagandha, a revered adaptogen known for its stress-combatting properties. Combined with the synergistic benefits of other natural ingredients, these gummies offer a potent solution for those aiming to reset and rejuvenate amidst life's challenges.

NextEvo's commitment to holistic well-being is evident in their curated range of products, focusing on both the mind and body's response to stress.

FAQs

Why do we need stress in our lives?

Stress, when appropriately channeled, can serve as a vital tool for our survival and success. It primes our bodies and minds to remain vigilant and sharp, propelling us to meet challenges head-on. By heightening our senses and reflexes, stress also serves as a protective mechanism, ensuring quick reactions in potentially dangerous situations.

Why should we embrace stress rather than avoid it?

Embracing stress shifts our perspective, enabling us to view challenges as opportunities rather than threats. By adopting a proactive stance towards stress, not only are we less likely to feel paralyzed by it, but we also position ourselves to harness its energy for increased focus, drive, and productivity.

Furthermore, a healthier relationship with stress can contribute to improved physical and emotional well-being.

How can I effectively handle stress?

Effectively managing stress is a multifaceted endeavor, unique to each individual's experience. Recognizing personal triggers and stressors is the first step.

Equipping oneself with coping strategies and a robust support system, comprising friends and family, can also be immensely beneficial. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as physical activities, meditation, or engaging with nature, further aids in stress alleviation.

What lessons can we draw from stress?

Stress is a powerful teacher, offering insights into our limits, strengths, and areas for growth. While it can act as a catalyst, pushing us towards our goals, it also underscores the importance of balance, emphasizing the need for recuperation and self-care. Developing resilience through stress management not only aids in personal growth but also contributes to overall well-being.

How does chronic stress manifest itself?

Chronic stress is a prolonged state of heightened tension and can have detrimental effects on both the mind and body. Some of its manifestations include persistent headaches, chest discomfort, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, mood fluctuations, feelings of anxiety or despair, and difficulty sleeping. Recognizing these signs when they occur and seeking medical advice is crucial.

Is there a term for beneficial stress?

Yes, beneficial or motivating stress is termed "eustress." This type of stress arises from stimulating experiences or challenges and instills feelings of passion, zeal, and drive. Eustress acts as a positive force, enhancing alertness and efficacy, and can optimize performance in various endeavors.

Stacy Mosel, LMSW, is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in music from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she continued her studies at New York University, earning a master of social work degree in 2002. She writes in the fields of mental health and holistic wellness, drawing on her prior experiences as an employee assistance program counselor, individual and family therapist, and assistant director of a child and family services agency.