Stress is sometimes considered a negative experience which you’d rather not have in your life.
But at a basic level, stress is simply your body’s way of responding to change. We become stronger physically when we stress our muscles and stronger mentally when we stress our resilience.
Stress is good when it’s dynamic and measured.
But when stress is prolonged or intense, it causes distress. This means your body’s responses are failing, and that’s not good.
Rather than using the word “stress” as a broad descriptor, it’s really helpful to identify your actual state.
Stress is needed for growth and should be seen as an opportunity. But if you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed and labelling it as stress, you may not be acknowledging your actual state, and therefore not taking the action you really need.
When your body goes beyond stress, stop. Don’t keep pushing through.
Listen to what your body is telling you. Label it accordingly. And then give yourself what you really need.
.