Stress and mindset flexibility

The positive stress method is based on the idea that we can develop the ability to be flexible in mindset and in how we approach stress.

What do I mean by mindset flexibility??

When faced with a stressful situation, mindset flexibility means understanding WHAT we are experiencing in that moment and WHY we are experiencing it, and deciding IF and HOW to change what we are experiencing.?

Let’s put this in the context of three different stress mindsets:

1) Stress is bad’. For this group, there is just nothing positive about stress. It must be avoided at all costs. People in this group are overwhelmed by stress, engage in regular negative thinking and consider stress to be automatically harmful. They tend to be greatly impacted by stress and its negative effects.

2) ‘What stress?’. We call this group the ‘compulsive positive thinkers’. For them, everything is always fine and rosy. They tend to ignore or repress negative emotions in various ways. This group, contrary to what some might believe, is not associated with good health outcomes over time.

3) ‘Stress can be ok’. People in this group judge their stress based on the situation and context. They make space for some stress in their lives and are not automatically afraid of it. They are also not blind to its negative side.?

Mindset flexibility, and the positive stress mindset method that supports it, is not about avoiding stress in general, even though, on some occasions, it could still be the best course of action. It is also not about becoming a compulsive positive thinker, a way of thinking that may hold some appeal to some but that is connected with poor health and leadership.

The truly positive and flexible mindset is one that notices, feels, understands and is able to positively act. It is not ignoring or repressing. It is acting in full awareness of what is and making the best decision based on that awareness with the belief that this decision is helpful based on the current situation.

Some situations may call for a reduction in stress, some may call for an increase in stress while others may call for a sustained exposure to stress. The key is to know which one is which, based each person’s own resources, and to know how to implement it in a way that feels positive and rewarding.?

If you think that stress will hurt you, it will. If you think that stress can be ignored, it will also hurt you. But if you think and believe that stress can be helpful (up to a point that each person has to define for themselves), then it will be.?

Because, after all, stress exists to help us. It helps us to learn, to focus, to get motivated and to perform. It even builds our immune system and protects our health. But only up to a point. And only if you are aware of and flexible in your mindset.

Are you?

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