Some stresses actually are good for you and your body. The right kind of stress can activate the flow of endorphins, evoke feelings of happiness and excitement, and provide a feeling of overall wellness.
Examples of good stress may be the anticipation of a wedding or a birth. The excitement of going to Disneyland. Taking a vacation cruise. Buying your child’s first pet. Riding a thrilling roller coaster.
How about the good stress of going on a first date — in with all that anxiety, there’s plenty of excitement.
These are examples of the good stresses that pop up in our everyday lives. This positive-energy stress can improve our immune systems, provide hope and laughter, strengthen our relationships.
There is a big difference between good stress and bad stress (or distress), of course.
Bad stress functions at a deep level. It can be agonizing — an inner relentless ache, an obsessive worrying that if left unattended will take a toll in multiple ways.
Chronic (bad) stress can have serious consequences such as a weakened immune system, ulcers, insomnia, high blood pressure and depression.
There are many ways to address severe stress. One of the most important is sharing your distress with a trusted caring person. Quite a few therapists specialize in stress management, so consider making an appointment.
Sharing these deep worries with a spouse, partner or friend is also an important step. Stress can be reduced considerably once you realize you don’t have to cope alone.
So often in these moments we simply cannot see the forest for the trees. An alternative perspective, presented kindly, illuminates another path that stress prevented us from seeing.
Sometimes just having someone listen shifts a feeling of hopelessness to hopefulness. Even if the situation remains the same.
There are many positive ways to cope with distress. The important piece is not to isolate — not to think that you have to handle everything alone.
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