Stress is usually viewed negatively, but it actually has some surprising benefits. Consider stress from a different perspective. Extreme and long-lasting stress won’t help you. However, some limited instances of short-term stress can be useful.

Consider these benefits:

1. Stress can help the brain.

• Researchers found that stress can make neural connections stronger and help memory. This applies to short-term stress and not long-term or severe stress.

• The study also found that short-term stress can help push the brain to an optimal condition. This means that the brain is forced to focus better and reach its highest potential.

• During the study, the rats’ brains improved because stem cells made new nerve cells. Scientists believe the same thing is happening in human brains under stress.

2. Stress can provide motivation.

• A looming deadline can make you stressed, but it can also force you to take charge of the situation. This provides the motivation to stop procrastinating and complete what is needed.

3. Stress can fortify resilience.

• The idea that stress can make you stronger is true. Researchers believe that surviving short-term stress helps build emotional and mental resources.

4. Stress can improve your immune system.

• The immune system responds to stress by going into active mode. Researchers believe this developed over time to protect humans. Evolution allowed people to stay strong and healthy under stress.

5. Stress can serve as a signal.

• If you feel you’re under constant pressure, take the time to reflect on your concerns about friends, family, work, and other obligations. Your stress could be telling you that some things may need to be adjusted, so you’re not overwhelmed.

6. Stress can strengthen your relationships.

• The hormone makes you feel like bonding with others and sharing your burdens. This can help you build stronger relationships with those you love. It can encourage you to share your troubles instead of letting them consume you.

There’s no doubt that living under constant, extreme stress is harmful. However, short-term stress has benefits. It can advantageously affect your body and mind in a variety of ways ranging from motivation to brain activity.

What benefits have you recognized that Stress offers?

Balanced in Stress,

Shayla Peterson, LCSW, LISW-CP

www.ctrlshiftbalance.com

888-449-5101

As scheduled, we will added tip #3 for dealing with a stress in the workplace. I’m interested to know how you incorporated the breathing technique and writing tool to combat your stress from the previous weeks. This week will add another tool to your tool box.

When we feel stressed at work, it’s important we learn how to harness our emotions so we can move forward. Today will be focus on :

Use of Positive Imagery. Keeping a calming picture on your desk or on your computer background. When you feel like work has become overwhelming, stare at the image and imagine yourself there. Doing this for 60 seconds can restore your ability to cope so you can move forward without the crippling effects of stress.

If you are finding it hard to incorporate these tools thus far and find it hard to manage your stress at work, reach out to mental health professional. Long term stress effects both our mental and physical health.

Wishing Calm & Wellness,

Shayla Peterson, LCSW, LISW-CP

As scheduled, we will add tip #2 for dealing with a stress in the workplace. I’m interested to know how the breathing technique from Tip #1 worked out last week. This week it would be best to practice Tip #1 and incorporate Tip #2.

When we feel stressed at work, it’s important we learn how to harness our emotions so we can move forward. The good thing is, there’s tools for this. Today will be focus on :

Taking a moment to write!

When you start to feel stress, find some privacy, pull out a blank piece of paper, and write freely for 5 mins. Free, uncensored writing for just a few minutes will allow you to get the emotions out of your mind. When you put all of your emotions down on paper, crumble it up and throw it away. Then try to return to work without the stress.

Each day will bring new stressors into your workplace and that why having different techniques in the tools box that you quickly and easily incorporate in your day. Share how Tip #2 has made your life easier to manage stress in the workplace.

Happy Writing and Wellness,

Shayla Peterson, LCSW, LISW-CP