As the spring sunlight streams through your windows on a warm Saturday morning, you look ahead to all the to-do's you have on tap for the weekend...and your hopeful mood quickly clouds over with a feeling of being overwhelmed. The downside of this feeling of stress is that it can give us tunnel vision, increasing self-doubt and thwarting problem-solving. But there's also a little-known upside of this stress, called eustress ("good" stress) that's proven to boost joy, foster self-confidence and spur us to succeed.
"Research shows anxiety or stress can increase our energy levels and motivate us," confirms psychologist Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D., author of Hack Your Anxiety. "The original definition of stress is 'a demand for an organism to change,' and eustress is a demand for positive change-just knowing this helps take the pressure off our shoulders and gives us more control over our stress." She adds that simply using more empowering language to describe stress-such as "exciting" instead of "scary," or "challenge" rather than "obstacle"-changes our brain's neural pathways, helping us feel more energized and confident.
Long story short: Although we tend to demonize stress, if harnessed correctly, it can inspire us to achieve more than we ever dreamed possible. Read on for simple, proven ways to transform common stressors into empowering opportunities for personal growth, greater happiness and far-reaching hope for the future.
OVERWHELMED?
REFRAME TASKS THIS WAY
Your email inbox reads like a laundry list of tasks, and your energy ebbs with every new demand on your time.
この記事は First for Women の May 01, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は First for Women の May 01, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?
Spending more to save more—is it worth it? How to know if a deal is too good to be true
I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER
As the mother and caretaker of a 24-year-old son with autism, Anne Couldridge feels a tug on her heart as she watches her friends' adult kids fly the nest to pursue their dreams. But Anne's unique life has taught her there are so many beautiful moments worth celebrating
CHARM with chalk paint!
This trendy paint technique adds style and function to your home-for pennies!
3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES
\"I was having a particularly hard day.
FOUND: What It Really Means to Have Dense Breasts
A new FDA rule says women must be told if their breasts are considered dense a factor that raises breast cancer risk. What you need to know
Kerry Mellin
Home: Hidden Hills, CA/Age: 66 Occupation: Founder of EaZyHold
PROVEN WAYS TO LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER
Feel your absolute best for years to come with these simple strategies
RESET YOUR BRAIN & BODY IN 30 Days Flat!
Personalized, sustainable and virtually free. Changes to the popular Whole30 protocol make it easier than ever to lose weight and get healthy for life!
10 BRILLIANT USES FOR STALE BEER
Clever ways the beverage can save the day
SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY
Beloved for her breakout role as Sami Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, Alison Sweeney became so popular at just age 16 that she brought home four Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Fan-Voted Daytime Emmy.