Because stress is, as we’ve discovered above, a problem that affects many areas of our lives, the solution for it should also address these different areas. A stress solution that works should include the physical, the emotional, the psychological and the cognitive.
Of course, stress is not always something that needs to be fixed. The reason people become stressed in the first place is because as a species, learning to recognize a threatening situation was an adaptive and useful strategy. Likewise, in our modern lives stress can be a very powerful indicator that we have taken on too much work, that we are not on the correct life path or that our relationships need to be improved.
The kind of stress that ultimately helps us is often called Eustress. This is the feeling that pushes us to accomplish more when we are in a competitive situation, or reach our deadlines. It is the fight or flight response in its purest form. Flight for when we need to escape a harmful situation and fight for when we need to up our game, whether that’s defending ourselves, working hard or pushing through a challenging situation.
Distress is not useful, however. This kind of stress occurs when the body is simply overwhelmed with external stimuli from the environment. There is no fight or flight; there is only immobilization and panic. A distressed person is not extra alert and able to take in what’s happening around them. Rather, they are overwhelmed.
In our own lives, it’s important to distinguish between the kinds of stress we experience. The most important question is, does the stress help or hinder? Some people thrive on tight deadlines and the expectations of others – the pressure makes them work that extra bit harder and they feel pride and relief when they succeed. Other people will wither under the same pressure, suddenly unable to think clearly or quickly and ultimately becoming less happy and productive.
Whether something is stressful, therefore, is not about the stimulus itself, but the way it is interpreted by individual people. We all have our specific triggers and we also all have unique strengths. The first step to reducing stress in your life is to figure out what kind of stress you want to reduce, and why. Does the stress help you achieve your goals and become a better person, or does it numb you and make you less effective?
The solutions presented here will look at both eustress and distress and how they affect our bodies and minds. But remember that a little stress is normal and healthy for human beings. Without a little stress, there is also often no motivation, no thrill, and no sense of achievement at having overcome it. Whether you find something stressful or merely motivating will depend on your particular personality.