Stress is ever present, and impacts both body and mind. We feel stress when we face too many demands and believe that we don’t have adequate coping skills and resources to get through. As much as we would like, there's no escaping stress. So if stress can be so bad for you, how can there be "good" or "positive" stress?
Make stress work for you rather than against you by recognizing stress, creating a positive attitude and using good stress management techniques. The key is to determine the right amount of stress that will give you energy, ambition, and enthusiasm versus the wrong amount, which can harm your health and well-being. Understanding your stress level is important; if nothing in your life causes you any stress or excitement, you may become bored or may not be living up to your potential. If everything in your life, or large portions of your life, cause you stress, you may experience problems that will make you feel worse.
Recognizing when you are stressed and managing your stress can greatly improve your life. Being optimistic and using good personal management holds the key to keep your mind and body in a healthy state. Examine what causes stress; identify what stressors are within your control and those beyond your control. It is possible to manage stress through effective and efficient use of time, learning to prioritize responsibilities and finding interesting ways to relax.
For more on Transforming Stress Into Power, join Dr. Aaron Goldner and Kate Caddy Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the Farmington Hills Library.
Post courtesy of Kate Caddy, MA, Michigan School of Professional Psychology Doctoral Candidate.
