September 19th, 2023

Coach Ashley

Stress is a part of everyone’s life, but did you know that our perception of stress can either help or harm us?

While we often think of stress as negative, it can actually be a positive force if we perceive it in the right way. Here is a look at the science

First, let’s talk about the negative effects of stress. When we perceive a situation as stressful, our body releases cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress hormones. These hormones prepare us for the fight-or-flight response, which can cause our heart rate to increase, our blood pressure to rise, and our breathing to become faster and shallower. If stress becomes chronic, these physical responses can lead to health problems such as hormonal issues, high blood pressure, mental health issues…the list goes on

However, research has shown that our perception of stress can play a significant role in whether or not the stress has negative effects on our health. For example, a study published in the journal Health Psychology found that people who perceived stress as a negative force had a higher risk of health problems than those who viewed stress as a positive force that could help them grow and develop.

When we perceive stress in a positive way, it can actually help us. Research has shown that stress can promote resilience, enhance cognitive function, and improve our immune response. For example, a study published in the Journal of Emotion found that people who viewed stress as a challenge, rather than a threat, had better immune function than those who viewed stress negatively.

So how can we shift our perception of stress from negative to positive? One way is to reframe how we think about stress. Instead of thinking of stress as something that is happening to us, we can think of it as a natural part of life that can help us grow and learn. We can also try to focus on the positive aspects of a stressful situation, such as the opportunity to develop new skills or strengthen relationships.

In addition, we can practice stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and exercise to help us cope with stressful situations. These techniques can help us to stay calm and centered, even in the face of stress.

To sum it up, by viewing stress in a positive light and practicing stress-management techniques, we can harness the power of stress to help us grow and thrive.

How can you or are reframing stressful situations in your life? Drop a comment below.