There is a Difference Between Healthy Stress and Non-healthy Stress Levels

Understanding Stress

There is a difference between healthy stress and non healthy stress levels.

Healthy stress is necessary as any athlete or successful person will tell you “a low to moderate stress level is required to help them get on top of their game". This is also true during workouts if your muscles are not under stress you won't see any real results or gains. So in my perspective the healthy stress levels get us out of our comfort zones and into action. This to me is what I call managed stress.

The unhealthy levels of stress come from a lack of stress management.

The kind of stress you feel you can't control that's the unhealthy stress that can have long term impacts if not resolved.

I am sure we can all relate at one stage or another it may have seemed like there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more time then 24 hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. 

But you have a lot more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your life is the foundation of managing stress. 

Stress management is all about taking charge: of your lifestyle, thoughts, emotions, and the way you deal with problems. No matter how stressful your life seems, there are steps you can take to relieve the pressure and regain control.

Why is it so important to manage stress?

If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life.

Effective stress management, on the other hand, helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. But stress management is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. The following stress management tips can help you do that.

Identify sources of stress in your life

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. While it’s easy to identify major stressors such as changing jobs, moving, or a going through a divorce, pinpointing the sources of chronic stress can be more complicated. It’s all too easy to overlook how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to your everyday stress levels. Sure, you may know that you’re constantly worried about work deadlines, but maybe it’s your procrastination, rather than the actual job demands, that is causing the stress.

To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:

• Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?
• Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”)?
• Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.

Why So Serious? (great words from the Joker)

Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. Laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

Manage your time better

Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused.

Me time 

Take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by carving out “me” time. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors. I use meditation and time at the beach as my "me time".

Connect with others

There is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. In fact, face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that counteracts the body’s defensive “fight-or-flight” response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever (as an added bonus, it also helps stave off depression and anxiety). So make it a point to connect regularly—and in person—with family and friends. If you can't do this with family or friends connecting with a coach is a great way to work on a better healthier you! 

for more information please visit: www.BassTadros.com and connect with me