Mastering Stress: A Guide to Handling Negative and Positive Stress
Transforming negative stress into positive success
Today, we're diving deep into the topic of stress and how to manage the two types of stress that affect our lives daily. Stress is something we all face, but understanding how to deal with it can make a world of difference.
Understanding Stress
Before we begin, take a moment to reflect. When you hear the word "stress," do your thoughts automatically turn negative? Negative stress is something we're all familiar with, and we all hate it. But the reality is, stress is an inevitable part of life, just like the sun, ocean, and bees.
Now, let's talk about positive stress. Do you know the difference? Positive stress can be life-changing, especially for your mindset. It's like adding extra toppings to your favorite pizza! To help you understand these two types of stress better, consider this analogy.
Negative Stress: The Credit Card Scenario
Imagine receiving a new credit card in the mail with a $500 limit. It's a Friday night, and you decide to activate the card. You buy drinks for everyone, leave generous tips, and indulge. But soon, the monthly bill arrives, and you find yourself filled with negative stress, regret, and frustration. This stress clouds your happiness and affects your relationships.
Positive Stress: Achieving Your Goals
Now, picture the same scenario with that $500 credit limit. This time, you have a vision board that reminds you of your fitness goals. You've been consistent, not missing a day at the gym for two months. On your board, you wrote, "If I hit this month gym goal, we're going on a weekend trip to enjoy time with loved ones."
When the credit card bill arrives, you're not stressed; you're excited to pay it. Every time you receive a bill, it reminds you of that amazing weekend getaway. It's a positive memory that fuels your motivation to set even bigger goals.
The Power of Your Mind
Your mind is incredibly powerful. Negative stress can put you in a bad mood and lead to negative self-talk. But understanding positive stress can change your perspective on life. It's all about making choices and reactions that align with your goals. No goals lead to negative stress because you’re reacting and guessing in life–forced to make decisions out of your comfort zone.
To start managing stress better, run a mental checklist when you're feeling stressed. Ask yourself if your current situation is the worst thing that has ever happened to you. Could it be worse? Likely, it could. Identify what led to your stress and whether you can change your mood. Consider attaching rewards to every goal you have. Did you know, simply by writing down your goals you increase your chances of obtaining them by 42%!!
Journaling Your Goals
Start journaling before & during your goal planning.
Define the purpose of reaching each goal, the challenges you want to overcome, and how you'll reward yourself when you succeed.
Remember, it all starts and ends with you.
Master yourself by becoming your future self and eliminating what you dislike about your old self.
By taking these steps, you can push the boundaries of life and stress. Listen to my podcast episode for further guidance and support, it should make stress more manageable, or at least help you create a game plan with checkpoints and milestones.
Don't forget to listen to episode # 87 for deeper insights into becoming the best version of yourself!
Here are some FAQs about positive/negative stress:
Q1: What are the two types of stress?
A1: The two types of stress are negative stress and positive stress. Negative stress is harmful, while positive stress can be beneficial.
Q2: How can I manage negative stress?
A2: To manage negative stress, consider the impact of your thoughts, choices, and reactions. Run a mental checklist and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Q3: What is the importance of journaling in stress management?
A3: Journaling helps clarify your goals, challenges, and rewards. It enhances self-awareness and emotional intelligence, key factors in managing stress.
To close out:
Stress is an inherent part of life, but how you manage it can determine your overall well-being. By understanding and harnessing the power of both negative and positive stress, you can transform your life and achieve your goals.
Remember, it all begins with your mindset and the choices you make. Embrace the positive stress that drives you towards your dreams and use it as a powerful tool for personal growth. Start journaling, set meaningful goals, and watch as stress becomes a stepping stone to your success.
Now, let's take this knowledge and apply it to create a brighter, stress-free future. Listen to episode 87 for further insights into becoming the best version of yourself!
Book a call today, and we can customize a plan to reduce negative stress and promote positive stress management
