This statement by Hans Selye, a renowned researcher in the field of stress, flips our typical perception of stress on its head and suggests that our responses, rather than the stressors themselves, are what can harm us.
Most of us often view stress as an inherent evil, always ready to wreak havoc in our busy lives. It’s generally linked to various health problems, ranging from heart conditions to mental health issues. However, Selye’s perspective tells us that the actual problem isn’t stress itself, but how we handle it.
Our emotional and mental reactions to stress can make it more harmful. If we react with fear or anxiety, it can intensify the stress, and succumbing to stress can lead to feelings of helplessness. These negative reactions can trigger harmful physical effects, like increased blood pressure and a weaker immune system, which can eventually cause serious health problems.
Interestingly, stress can also have positive effects. Positive stress, or ‘eustress,’ can motivate us, boost our performance, and stimulate personal growth. This approach views stress as a challenge rather than a threat and shifting our reactions in this way can turn stress from an adversary into a helper.
So, how can we make this shift? It involves developing resilience and finding effective ways to manage stress. Practices such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help control our physical responses to stress. Changing our mindset to perceive stress as a normal part of life that can aid in our growth can alter our emotional reactions to it.
If you are finding stress and anxiety a problem for you and you would like some help with this issue, let’s have a chat about how I can probably help you let go of these issues quite quickly.
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