Stress Signals
Stress has a bad reputation. We know that stress causes a huge array of ills — mental, emotional, physical and relational. Sustained and extreme stress where you often or mostly feeling overwhelmed and anxious is not good. But stress is not automatically bad for you.
A certain degree of stress is beneficial for us. Consistently research shows that relatively short-lived stress actually boosts our immune system and there are other benefits . Here they are:
1. We need stress for survival
When faced with a threat our body prepares us for action. Our heart rate increases, adrenalin pulsates through us, and we get tunnel vision. This is what we know as the classic fight or flight reaction.
This instinctive ability to respond instantaneously when in danger ensures our survival. We need this built in catalyst. Perceived threats that mask as real danger can keep us on high alert, which then tips us into bad stress. But this does not alter the fact that we have a stress mechanism that saves our lives.
2. We need stress as a message system
Stress related emotions and symptoms are important signals indicating when we need to pay attention to something. We need stress in the same way as we need pain. Pain in our body is a message system that something is wrong. Stress works in the same way.
Our stress is signalling that something needs to change in ourselves or in our circumstances. It is indicating that we are neglecting an aspect of our life, that we need to realign our lives in some way, or that there is something we need to address.
When we listen to our stress, and what could be causing it, we better understand ourselves. If we also do what it takes to deal with the causes of this stress we move towards greater healing and well being.
3. We need stress to achieve
We also need stress in order to achieve. When we face a deadline, a performance objective, or the need to achieve at an event like a presentation or a race, our stress levels increase.
This is called “Eustress”. Chemicals such as catecholamines galvanize us into action. We experience motivation, energy and focus that enable us to achieve what we desire. In fact, we need peaks of this kind of stress to literally keep us on our toes.
4. We need stress to learn
Along the same lines we need and experience stress when we are learning something for the first time. The stress builds so that we work towards our goal of learning a new skill, or doing a new activity. It keeps us aware and attentive so that we keep focused on the task at hand.
Because we feel this stress when we do something for the first time, many people avoid new learning situations. However, the stress is necessary and it abates with repetition and practice.
5. We need stress to accomplish the extraordinary
Setting our minds to big dreams and huge goals is scary. We don’t know if it’s possible, and even if think it is we are not sure if we are the person to make it happen. Stressful! But once again, as long we don’t allow the stress to overwhelm us, we can utilize the stress to drive us to achieve.
Maybe instead of stressing because you’re stressed, give it its due. Respecting the role of stress in our lives may give you the edge you may need. In the right doses it will even save your life!
