Entry #2: The "Good" Stress Myth: When Pressure Stops Being a Motivator

 The Impact of Stress and Pressure

Stress and daily pressure is something everyone faces at certain stages in their lives. Some would say a bit of stress can be good for you because it keeps the person motivated and it sharpens their focus leading to a boost in their performance. While this may true it doesn't mean that all outcomes will be have a positive result. This idea of stress has been referred to as the "optimal stress" theory and we'll dive in how this affects all around us and how we can manage it better.

I have recently been through situations where it felt like i was walking in a tightrope walk, it consisted of trying to balance things like family obligations, project deadlines, and my own personal life. For a while i felt that familiar, focused rush that comes with a challenge. But over the days, the rush faded. My mind, instead of being sharp, felt like a fog. The productive momentum gave way to a state of perpetual anxiety,where every new scenario felt like an attack and every decision was paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. That's when i new that "good" stress had become toxic.

Society Norm

Every person will share the experience even if it's not a personal failing, we live in a time where society normalizes being constantly "on" and under pressure. But this mindset is dangerously flawed.Chronic, unchecked stress has a tangible, negative impact on our physical and mental health. It can manifest as memory issues, digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and increased anxiety. We don't need to be chased by a lion to feel our body's fight-or-flight response—a packed calendar and a demanding boss can do the trick just as effectively.

So, how do we navigate this modern-day pressure without letting it break us?

1. Re-frame your perception. While stress is viewed as a constant state of emergency, recognize it for what it is: a signal. When you start to feel these emotions of pressure it is because your body is trying to tell you that something needs to change. It's about accurately interpreting the signal it is giving you and not dismissing it immediately.

2. Actively find the "off" switch. There is a line between work and life stress. Over time that line becomes blurry and your body intentionally starts to create these boundaries to break that cycle. This isn't just about taking a vacation; it's about building small, consistent habits.Try leaving your phone in another room during dinner, scheduling technology-free hours, or dedicating time to a simple, non-digital activity like reading a book. The feeling of missing out is real, but the clarity you gain is far more valuable.

3. Practice intentional relaxation. Relaxation may not be a passive activity; it would be a skill that requires lots of practice for you to notice some results. There's methods that can help some consist of deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness that trigger's your body's relaxed response. The best way to think of this is by picturing yourself in working out and the more you practice, the more resilient you become.

4. Connect with others. Overwhelming stress can cause people to isolate themselves over time, but human connection is one of the best ways to fight it. Whether it's hanging out with friends and families, or even just sharing your story with someone can ease your body in handling all that pressure reminding you that there's those around you making sure you aren't alone.

 

 End Goal

At the end of the day the goal isn't to eliminate all pressure, but helping others manage it proactively. It is important to tell the difference between a productive challenge and a harmful stress in order to start building resilience needed not just to survive but to thrive as well.Don't wait for the pressure cooker to explode—find your off switch and reclaim your peace.