Did you know that there are times when stress is good?

There is an interesting article titled, “The surprising Benefits of Stress.” In this article, the author speaks about how manageable stress increases alertness and performance. By encouraging the growth of stem cells that become brain cells, stress improves memory. This stress response is designed to help us react when something potentially threatening happens, to help us deal with it and learn. Moderate, short-lived stress can improve alertness, performance and boost memory.

It is important to note that each individual responds to stress differently. A stressor that may be manageable for one person may be extremely overwhelming for another, and vice versa. Factors such as perception, control of a situation and early life experiences, effect an individual’s level of stress.

There are many ways to relieve stress in our lives. Here are my Top 5 recommendations:

1. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Life is life. We will go through ups and downs but trying to see things in a positive way helps us to get past things a bit better. Did you know? Our brain is wired to focus on the negative. This is how we evolved and was originally designed to keep us safe in a hostile world. In order to think positive, we need to intentionally set our minds to it.

2. WRITE IT DOWN
We can write down what is waying on us as a form of release. Putting it on paper helps us to stop overthinking and try to organize the thought in our mind. We can also write down what we are grateful for to remind ourselves of all the good things in our life. Again, that whole idea of changing our mindset to something positive.

3. LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC
I challenge you to join me in creating your “favorite playlist” with music that lifts you up when things become stressful, or you are feeling in a funk. My personal playlist includes music from Christian to soft rock, to hard rock and country. Get creative! This is your very own “feel good” playlist.

4. EXERCISE
One of the healthiest ways to blow off steam is to get regular exercise. I fail at being consistent in this area of my life; however, I do agree that I tend to feel better and more alive when I exercise.

5. MAINTAIN CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS
Reach out to people you care about regularly. We are social beings by nature, and we need one another more than we might realize. You do not have to go through things alone and sometimes it is good to share your feelings with someone else. Perhaps we are not looking for any advice but rather someone to listen. Also, I wish for you some laughter. Its hard to feel stressed and anxious when you are laughing!

THE BOTTOM LINE
Although stress and anxiety may rise in your workplace and personal life, there are ways to reduce the pressure you may feel. These tips I provided you involve getting your mind away from the source of stress. Love yourself enough to take the time to find what works for you.