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Stress is called the cause of health problems, but it is impossible to do without it. Thanks to this reaction of the body to non-standard situations, our distant ancestors managed to survive in difficult conditions, and now its function has not changed much. Psychologist Sherry Campbell believes that stress has a lot of useful things: it helps to adapt to changes, cope with difficulties and make the right decisions. However, much depends on us.
Many of us do not know how to cope with stress, because we tend to attribute its occurrence solely to external circumstances. This is partly true, stress factors usually really lie outside the zone of our influence, but this is not the main reason. In fact, the source of stress is inside us. Forgetting about this, we transfer emotions to someone or something and start looking for someone to blame.
But since we so easily manage to broadcast the negative, it means that we are quite capable of switching to the positive. Stress can be outwitted and channeled into constructive ways. In this case, he becomes the driving force behind success. Yes, this is not the best state, but it is definitely worth looking for advantages in it.
HOW STRESS IS USEFUL
1.Improves the ability to introspection
In order to benefit from stress, it is important to view it as an inevitability, a part of a philosophy of life, or an essential element of professional growth. If you stop waiting for the worries to subside and learn to live with it, your eyes literally open. We figure out where we are not strong enough and how to fix it.
Stress always reveals our vulnerabilities or shows where we lack knowledge and experience. When we realize our weaknesses, a clear understanding of what needs to be improved comes.
2. Makes you think creatively
The source of stress is unforeseen events. As much as we would like everything to go according to a predetermined scenario, we cannot do without unexpected twists and turns. In a situation of stress, we usually want to control everything, but you can look at life through the eyes of an artist. Instead of wrestling with where to get more money, it’s better to focus on building a successful career.
In fact, stress keeps us on our toes. It is impossible to become an expert in your industry without trying to be ahead of everyone. And this means thinking creatively, going beyond generally accepted standards and not being afraid to take risks. The jolts of sudden hardships release adrenaline. There is energy that can be channeled into new ideas, hard work and achieving high results.
3. Helps prioritize
Success is directly related to priorities. When we are faced with a choice, our response to stress tells us what needs close attention and what can be put off until later. It is worth identifying the most important tasks and taking on their implementation, as self-confidence appears. As soon as we cope with an urgent stressful situation, relief comes and, most importantly, a feeling of deep satisfaction comes: everything worked out!
4.Opens up new possibilities
Stress indicates that we are facing difficulties. This means that you must rise to the challenge, change direction, learn something, act differently, overcome the fear of failure, and create a new opportunity. Yes, problems cause stress, but it can be seen as a rival. The choice is ours: surrender or win. For those who seek opportunities, new paths open up.
5.Increases the intellectual level
Stress has been proven to enhance cognitive function and improve certain aspects of our thinking. The natural fight-or-flight response activates certain neurotransmitters that cause us to instantly focus on urgent tasks.
When under stress, we not only become extremely attentive, but also show outstanding mental abilities. Our memory reproduces details and events faster, which is very important in critical situations where knowledge and problem-solving skills are required.
6. Keeps in constant readiness
The most fertile ground for the development of knowledge, skills and talents is difficulties and non-standard tasks. Success is a struggle, there is no other way. For those who succumb to failures, the joy of victories is inaccessible.
When we once again manage to go through an unknown road, we feel happy. Obstacles should be a source of inspiration for us, not despair. No great goal is achieved without effort and hard work.
7. Suggests successful strategies
When we are overcome by doubts and anxieties, stress indicates a way out of the most confusing situations. Under its pressure, we are as inventive as ever, because we are ready to do everything possible to get rid of this burden.
If we act impulsively, nervousness builds up and more problems arise. To turn stress into an ally, you need to slow down a little and think of a strategy that will allow you to loosen the grip and move forward. The more carefully we analyze our mistakes and plan further steps, the more confidently we meet new challenges.
8. Leads to the right people
If stress covers your head, this is an occasion to seek help, support and advice. Successful people are always ready to cooperate. They never consider themselves smarter than everyone in the world. When we admit that we are incompetent in something and ask for assistance, we get much more than a quick and effective solution to the problem. Surrounding people share their experience with us, and this is an invaluable gift. In addition, if we decide to tell that we are in trouble, we are not in danger of emotional burnout.
9. Develops positive thinking
There is no greater obstacle to success than depression caused by stressful situations. If we want to benefit from stress, we need to use its signals as reminders that it’s time to turn on positive thinking immediately. We will lament when we have free time.
Our attitude to events — positive or negative — depends on ourselves. Gloomy defeatist thoughts are the road to nowhere. Therefore, having felt the approach of stress, we must immediately activate all positive attitudes and try to find a way out of a difficult situation.
About the Author: Sherry Campbell is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and author of Love Yourself: The Art of Being You, The Formula for Success: A Path to Emotional Well-Being.