YOU and The Benefits of EUSTRESS (Yes, it’s a real word)

It’s time to break the hold stress has on your life. As a result, you can become happier, healthier, and more productive.

Consequently, there is one type of stress that is actually good for you.

In other words, stress can be good. Get the benefits of eustress.

Who knew?

Let’s hear it for GOOD STRESS. 

Most importantly, I want to share with you the benefits of eustress. Eustress…what does that mean?  Is there really something as good as good stress? 

Initially, it doesn’t seem all that good. You know that feeling. Your heart is beating out of your chest; hands get sweaty, adrenaline surges through your veins, a headache starts to creep into the back of your head.

Why?

Maybe you are the next one to share your presentation with the executives at work. Or you are in position waiting for the bullhorn to start the Iron Man race. Or you are ready to walk down the aisle and say, “I DO.”

Therefore, you encounter one form of stress or the other; it’s either eustress or distress.

To clarify, eustress is a combination of the Greek prefix EU (meaning good) with stress. Then there is the opposite, distress, which is bad stress.

In addition, if you become frustrated or overwhelmed in positive moments, don’t panic. Say “welcome” to eustress.

And, I have great tips to get you over the hump of upset and use stress to your advantage.

Health benefits of eustress.

Above all, eustress has emotional and physical health benefits.

Further, it is energizing and and motivating. It feels exciting, It increases focus and performance. And more good news, it only lasts in the short term.

In addition, it is different from the basic fight, flight, or freeze reaction to danger. Eustress encourages you to improve yourself and help you develop resilience.

What do you talk about to yourself?

Subsequently, I have a big question for each of you to answer. Initially, it seems like a trick question. It is not.

“Would you eat pizza and nothing else for a month? Or maybe chow down only hamburgers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner day after day? “

 I bet you would yearn for a great, big bowl of spinach by the end of a week.

Most importantly, answer this question: “Why do you keep putting the same old thoughts in your mind?”

Do you say to yourself, all stress is debilitating? Or perhaps you stay stuck in old ways of responding and can’t even think of something new?

Self-talk can increase stress if you’re not mindful.

That is to say, most self- talk is quite repetitive and can get pretty boring. 

For instance, the NOTS in your life can become KNOTS. Then you keep saying things like, “This will not change. ” Perhaps, “I cannot get this done.” Maybe, “I’m not good enough.” 

Does this sound like you? Or someone you know? I must admit, I’ve been there many, many times.

Searching for the new normal.

For example, normal, as we knew it, does not exist. It has taken on a new meaning. 

Consequently, the definition of normal is changing. It used to mean, “Someone who behaves appropriately.”

A fun definition of normal is “Someone you don’t know very well.”

However, social media has made quirks and strange habits now accepted as normal.

What does the new normal look like? No one knows yet. 

Certainly, understanding and accepting eustress as a healthy part of stress is an important part of the new normal. 

Therefore, when clients ask me what to do with stress-causing behavior, I ask them about their self-talk.

For instance, here is my initial response when they say they are full of fear and anxiety. I ask what words they use that trigger the upset.

Moreover, they always beat themselves up saying, “Damn, why did I do THAT again?” 

In addition, most are disappointed in themselves for falling back to old ways of reacting. They are all looking for new ways of responding. 

In this time of acute change, everyone needs new ways of handling stress.

Focus on eustress for comfort and delight.

Learn about the benefits of EUSTRESS to fight DISTRESS.. 

 Now, take charge of all your stressors, even the ones that make you feel like crap.  

Most importantly, gather tips and tools to analyze and evaluate what is triggering you. The good news is, you then can decide what to do. 

First you look at the facts. Second,  you consider the emotions that the facts activate.  

In the same vein, here are some words to use when you find yourself falling into old stress habits.

Say to yourself: “This too shall pass.”Or, “I am learning from this situation.” Or, an oldie but worthwhile “Whatever doesn’t kill me will make me stronger.”  

Make healthier choices

Further, you can kick  your maladaptive coping methods to the curb.

To sum up, It’s time to talk with your inner voice, change the conversation, and make good decisions. Therefore, you no longer need to be mad as hell at yourself for bad reactions. 

The good news is….. you’ll have more and healthier choices in the future.  

Here’s to your success, 

Sylvia 

PS Are you too stressed? Use the Stress Busters quiz to measure if your stress level is too high and what to do about it.