While chronic stress has many negative health effects, researchers are finding that some types of short-term stress can be a catalyst for positive changes such as improved performance, motivation and growth.

Stress is your body’s response to pressure or tension. It stems from the body’s “fight-or-flight” reaction to perceived threats. It can cause feelings of unease, anxiety, frustration, nervousness or helplessness. But by reframing how you view stress, you may be able to turn it to your advantage.

It’s well known that in some situations, short-term stress can be beneficial. If you’re feeling pressured because of an upcoming presentation, for example, stress can motivate you to better prepare for it.

Stress also provides an opportunity for learning and growth. Facing and overcoming tough situations can help you develop resilience, which is the ability to better cope with challenges and adapt to change.

And when you reframe stress as an opportunity for positive change, you may reduce your stress and decrease the harm it can do to your body.

Experts offer the following tips for reframing stress and turning it to your advantage.

Recognize stress. When you’re feeling stressed, acknowledge it. Stop and consider what’s causing it. Write your thoughts down in a journal or talk to friends, family or a behavioral health professional about it. Try to be objective, without getting caught up in emotions about the cause of your stress.

Think about why it’s happening. Take time to consider why a certain situation causes stress. If you’re worried about a work deadline, that may indicate you’re a conscientious person who wants to contribute meaningfully to the team. Or if you are stressed about preparing a healthy dinner for the family each night after a full day’s work, your stress shows how much you care about your family’s well-being.

Then consider the situation itself. How can deadlines be made less stressful? What can you do differently to help your family eat a healthy diet?

Change what you can. Once you’ve identified the cause and analyzed the situation, develop action steps for changes that can ease the pressure. Talk to the team at work about setting more realistic deadlines, for example, or discuss pulling in others to help. For healthy dinners at home, you might consider prepping meals on weekends or planning simpler weeknight menus. Then set specific goals.

Channel the energy from stress in positive ways. The body’s response to stress involves increased energy, narrowed focus and heightened attention. Use that energy to work toward your goals.

There is no doubt, however, that chronic stress has negative effects on your health. Chronic stress is the kind of stress that lasts for weeks, months or longer. It’s often caused by long-term issues such as an unhappy relationship, ongoing money problems or job frustration. If you are experiencing chronic stress, reach out to a healthcare provider or community resources for help.

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has more than 80 providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Forbes
Stanford Lifestyle Medicine
The StayWell Company, LLC