subject: Stress Can Be a Good Thing [print this page] Yes, stress can be a good thing this is a true statement. Stress can powerfully motivate us to move towards wonderful things. How can stress do this?
Stress sometimes gets a bad rap because it is associated with something that occurs in a bad situation. But sometimes you can be happy for the added stress that happens.
An example of good stress is called, eustress. The prefix "eu-"means "good." It is the name given to any type of stressful situation that brings about good results and there are many.
A few examples are:
Stress felt before an important speech
The stress before an exam
When you are competing in a sport
During a debate
The stress accompanying these tasks causes you to focus on the task and nothing else. As a result, you practice until you are comfortable with the words and relax you will soon be able to perform well. Your nervousness can lead to more intense practice sessions to get you ready. Your pulse quickens but it strengthens you to do your best. Endorphins surge during stress.
The fight or flight response is what happens when fear enters the equation. Adrenalin is released when we are afraid. Our senses become more acute as the body prepares to hit the ground running or stand and fight. Our basic instincts take over when we are found in those situations. You hear of extraordinary situations where people have lifted cars off of their loved ones who were hurt in an accident. Or, someone thinks to use their cell phone to call from the trunk of a car when they've been kidnapped.
People think of amazing ways to survive when they are in danger. The fight or flight response can get your through some amazing situations. Hostage victims, kidnapped individuals, doctors who perform surgery to save lives all of these are examples of when you are put in a situation that is on the line.
Good stress lives vibrantly in our lives, but we may not have ever taken the time to see it that way or think about it much. The healthy stress may get the least thanks in the world, but it deserves more. We can get a long way with healthy stress it is a teacher and a guide!
