Your Stress

Kill your stress, or it will kill you.

Managing stress — in the workplace and outside it — is a critical skill to pursue and master. 

Thankfully not all stress is the same. Like good debt and bad debt, stress also falls on a spectrum of of helpful (Eustress) and harmful (Distress). 

Distress is viscous, leaves lasting impacts on both the body and mind, and is unfortunately inevitable.

Distress:

• Typically stems from situations we perceive as threats like a job we hate or extremely challenging personal situations. 

• Is characterized by its chronic nature. If we think of stress as a rollercoaster, it’s like a ride that never comes back down. 

No one is immune to distress, but fortunately there are ways to make yourself more resilient to its effects. Ironically, the way to deal with Distress is by taking on Eustress in controlled doses. 

Eustress is virtuous, improves our mental and physical faculties, and can be leveraged to fight Distress. 

Eustress: 

• Typically stems from positive events and challenges like exercise, completing a stretch work assignment, or competing with peers in a sport. 

• Is characterized by its acute nature. Following the same rollercoaster analogy, it’s a ride that pushes your boundaries, but comes down and leaves you in a state of thrilled accomplishment. You’re ready for the next one.

The idea is to take on Eustress on your terms. Expose yourself to the discomfort of increased heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen intake. Then, let yourself come down naturally and over time you’ll be in fighting shape to take on the distress that comes your way. 

It’s no surprise exercise, cold plunges, and professional accomplishment are staples of pop culture right now. These are practice for the main event. 

Choose discomfort and ability over comfort and disability.

PK