As we settle into a season of unknowns, whether they’re political-, pandemic- or holiday-related, stress may become a larger part of our lives. With this in mind, it is important to know that there is good stress and bad stress and how to approach both.
Eustress, or good stress, can be very rewarding. Eustress helps us overcome situations to better ourselves. To tell the difference, think of eustress as a challenge rather than a threat. Going for a promotion, trying a new hobby or taking on any life changes are all examples of eustress and should be embraced.
Chronic stress, on the other hand, causes distress and should be viewed as a threat that can put your health at risk. It puts your body in a flight-or-fight response state for an extended period of time. Some health risks that may arise if stress is left unmanaged are anxiety, digestive problems, heart disease, weight gain and sleep problems. Although stress is an inevitable part of our lives, it can be managed in a variety of ways:
Healthy exercise routine. Aerobic exercises like walking, running, biking and swimming all lower stress hormones resulting in a state of calm and relaxation. Reaching exercise milestones can also improve self-confidence and self-image.
Meditation. To help combat the anxiety of the flight-or-fight response, try one of the following forms of meditation.
- Breath focus: Pay close attention to your breaths. Take long, slow, deep belly breaths to distract your mind from other sensations.
- Guided imagery: Imagine soothing scenes to help relax your mind and keep stressful thoughts out.
- Mindfulness meditation: Focus on your breathing and pay attention to how you feel in the present.
Progressive muscular relaxation. Stress causes tension in your muscles. Go through various body parts like your jaw, arms, hands, thighs and toes tightening each muscle and holding for 20 seconds before releasing. This exercise helps release the tension in those muscles.
Enjoy time with the people you love. Foster relationships with people who lift you up and make you laugh. Laughter helps improve the immune system naturally while improving your mood. It helps release some of the tension built up in a positive manner. These relationships will also lead to a strong support group.
Have fun experimenting with these stress-relieving techniques to find what works best for you!