While reading Timothy Ferriss' new book, "The 4 Hour Work Week," I was reminded of the idea of productive stress. I've seen the word "eustress" before, and I think it is worth pondering.
Stress, or distress, is commonly seen as a negative force in our lives. The culprit of so many health issues, stress contributes to everything from wacky cholesterol levels to heart palpitations. It causes the body to release cortisol, with the unfortunate outcome of short-term memory failure.
Eustress, on the other hand, is really a form of excitement. It has some of the hallmarks of distress, but if recognized for what it is, can actually be used to motivate us to higher performance, increased creativity, and possibly a witty exchange with a colleague. Only you will know when you are experiencing the positive form of stress known as eustress. You can trigger this state, too, by giving yourself healthy, appropriate challenges and listening to your inner signals.
Try changing a stressful situation into eustress by viewing it from a different angle. What is the situation motivating you to do? Do you feel like getting in an extra run as a result of it? Stay open to possibility and you might transform some of the stress in your life into a new form of energy.
Suzanna Stinnett
Eustress, the opposite of distress, is stress that is somewhat beneficial - but not too much; since your body cannot differentiate what stressors cause distress and what stressors cause eustress. In both cases your adrenal glands secrete adrenaline. According to Dr. Selye, too much adrenaline in your body is worse than intoxication. You must manage the stress that your attitudes, nutrition, environment and breathing present to you and to the people you love. It is essential for you to review your lifestyle and goals. For complete article visit
www.YourStressMatters.com/stress5.htm
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Posted by Suzanna S.
While reading Timothy Ferriss' new book, "The 4 Hour Work Week," I was reminded of the idea of productive stress. I've seen the word "eustress" before, and I think it is worth pondering. Stress, or distress, is commonly seen as a negative force in our lives. The culprit of so many health issues, stress contributes to everything from wacky cholesterol levels to heart palpitations. It causes the body to release cortisol, with the unfortunate outcome of short-term memory failure. Eustress, on the other hand, is really a form of excitement. It has some of the hallmarks of distress, but if recognized for what it is, can actually be used to motivate us to higher performance, increased creativity, and possibly a witty exchange with a colleague. Only you will know when you are experiencing the positive form of stress known as eustress. You can trigger this state, too, by giving yourself healthy, appropriate challenges and listening to your inner signals. Try changing a stressful situation into eustress by viewing it from a different angle. What is the situation motivating you to do? Do you feel like getting in an extra run as a result of it? Stay open to possibility and you might transform some of the stress in your life into a new form of energy. Suzanna Stinnett