Hidden Perks of Good Stress
Stress is often seen as something negative as it does more harm than good. Stress is characterized as feeling tense. In certain situations or environments, the individual begins to tense up. When this occurs the person is in a protective state since the individual feels in danger. Depending on the circumstances there are ways to alleviate it however the time it will take to feel relieved is based on the person. Other than tense situations stress can arise from the person themselves by doing some activities like physical labor work or constantly thinking too much. Added load whether it’d be physical or mental, increases stress levels.
A concern is hormonal imbalances and this could impact overall health. For example if the environment is impacted in some way like pollution. This can cause certain behaviors to occur in the ecosystem such as climate change or vegetation damage. When comparing it to hormonal imbalances, stress can cause issues to systems in the body. It can negatively affect biological processes such as metabolism, reproductive health, brain function, and more. All of which keeps a person balanced and functional.
Stress is inevitable and many will experience it. Likely, people will often feel distress, however with every predicament occurring there can be ways of taking this “response” and producing good stress.
The Positive Stress: Eustress
Eustress provides a surge of energy to the individual as they have a feeling of excitement. In order for someone to activate this stressor one must be interested in getting involved in activities. It could be a challenge of some sort or something fun to look forward to. Primarily it always has to do with being in pursuit of completing a mission, task, or project. Achievements can also cause eustress because of the feeling of accomplishment. This is a form of stress that releases dopamine and other neurotransmitters which are essential for learning, motivation, and energy. This provides an advantage to the individual and encourages innovative behavior (Thinking of with new concepts!).
As previously stated the individual needs to have some goal they are interested in accomplishing. There has to be some endeavor that is somewhat demanding but also could be enjoyable to do. Otherwise, feeling dreadful will be energy draining and the effects of eustress would be irrelevant.
Questions for Clarity
In the modern world there tends to be being unsure of what a person could do to feel fulfilled. It is a mystery to solve when someone who does not have many issues or boredom gets the best of them. Keeping oneself occupied gives some structure and peace of mind.
Many frequently dislike having problems they do not want to handle since it is a burden. However, it arises regardless as it is called unforeseen problems.
The point is when there is resistance a solution is needed to alleviate it. Problems can encourage a person’s creative drive to help solve an issue. Throughout history and including present times a product or a process was produced to solve problems. As for those who have done this may have experienced the feeling of eustress since creating a solution of any kind is exciting.
A few questions to ask:
- What is important that needs to be done?
- How will this benefit people?
- Can I consider what I am doing a hobby?
As mentioned there needs to be some natural interest or some challenge someone is experiencing.
Are There Other Ways to Have Eustress?
There could be other means of initializing eustress. However, it would have to be experiencing something new. Whether it would be learning a new subject, going on adventures, trying a new activity, or anything a person is not so familiar with doing. Unfamiliarity causes a change and when there is change the individual has to adapt and learn. Very much like getting a stimulus since there is a change, there will be a biological response.
For example, traveling to another country for the first time. This will trigger a response because the body and mind are not familiar with the new setting.
The Difference Between Eustress and Distress
Stress can be internal or external but it is based on how the person responds to certain events occurring. Depending on circumstances the individual will react differently toward challenges. Once reacting, the vitals change in the body this could be a positive or a negative effect. Certainly, the feelings of the response will give enough details to measure the amount of tension someone is experiencing.
Stress can be affected by emotions, physical or behavior. Stress is still stress whether it’s a positive or negative response it can still result in unwanted stress. Unlike distress, eustress is not long-term but it can still convert into stress that can be hurtful.
How Should This Be Handled?
Generally, moderating stress levels is something that is not often reminded (to the beings themselves). There is no doubt when stress occurs a person is constantly occupied with what pressures they are undergoing. In some instances, it might be a good thing (boredom is another problem people dislike). However, management needs to be in place in order to prevent stress from doing more damage to the body.
Ideally, it is best to manage all this periodically throughout the day if possible. At any time or even when tension builds up, there needs to be methods to stop it from getting any higher. The hormone cortisol has the purpose of keeping someone alert, however, too much cortisol has its drawbacks.
Here are some things to do throughout the day:
- Alternate nose breathing: This is effective in calming down the brain since it helps balance out the nervous system (Best to do this on an empty stomach).
- Resting squats or low squats: A person can stay in this position for 1 to 2 minutes. This movement promotes relaxation and it is beneficial for the digestive system. It also has offers benefits like mobility and it can improve posture.
- Dynamic stretching: Performing dynamic stretching is not only good for mobility work. It helps keep calm due to the demand for breathing. Proper breathing initializes the parasympathetic nervous system which helps maintain relaxation or induces it. More importantly, promotes better blood circulation.
Obviously, there are other methods to help manage stress. Check out: Beyond Meditation: Practical Alternatives For Mindful Living.
Conclusion
Stress is the body’s reaction to various situations, influenced by individual perception. Depending on how a person interprets a situation, they may experience distress or feel eustress. There are perks to having eustress such as energy, concentration, and creative drive. These elements help in many ways to be productive effectively. In general, stress can still be problematic, even if it’s considered good stress, as prolonged or excessive stress levels can lead to unnecessary complications. There is a need for a management system in place where an individual is able to execute an activity to maintain their stress levels.
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