Understanding Stress: The Good, The Bad, and How to Manage It.

Let’s talk about stress. 

It’s something we all experience, whether you’re navigating a high-pressure job, juggling family life, or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Stress isn’t inherently bad though — in fact, it is a natural part of life that can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on how we manage it - lets talk about it.

So.. what is stress?

 At its core, stress is your body’s natural response to any demand or challenge. It triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your body to take action. This response, known as the "fight or flight" response, has been crucial for survival throughout human history. When faced with a stressful situation, your heart rate increases, muscles tense up, and your body gets ready to respond. This is known as “acute stress.”

Believe it or not though, stress isn’t all bad. In fact, in short bursts, it can be really motivating and helpful. This type of stress is known as “eustress,” or positive stress. Eustress sharpens your focus, it boosts your energy and it helps you tackle challenges head on.

It’s the kind of stress you feel before a big presentation, during a workout, or when you’re trying something new and exciting.

 
It can help you grow, adapt, and improve, making it an essential part of a balanced life.
 

However, not all stress is good.

There’s the stress that comes from feeling overwhelmed, fearful or anxious. Often the expectations we might be putting on ourselves, or certain stories and beliefs that might be driving these feelings.
It’s this type of stress that becomes troublesome when experienced for extended periods of time, without relief.

Chronic stress drains your energy, affects your mood, and disrupts your life. It keeps your body in a constant state of alert, leading to health problems like weight gain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and even heart disease.

Your immune system weakens, making you more susceptible to illness, and your ability to concentrate and make decisions may suffer.

For those of us who live and breathe wellness, stress can feel like a personal failure.

The key is to remember that managing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it; it’s about finding ways to navigate it with grace and mindfulness.

So, how do we manage stress?

It’s about making small pockets of time for things that bring you joy, things that calm you or allow you to be in the moment (out of your head).

One simple yet powerful way to manage stress is through small, intentional rituals. For some, it’s a daily yoga practice, a walk in nature or a brisk morning run. For others, it’s prioritising rest or taking a few minutes to enjoy a warm mug of cacao, along with some deep breaths.

Remember, managing stress is about finding what works for you.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to be your constant state.
By understanding the good and bad sides of stress and learning how to manage it, you can create space for calm amid chaos.

Join us in next week’s blog for a deep dive into how we create a stress-relief ritual 🤎