How to Make Stress Work for You
Stress is how the body reacts to a situation that feels dangerous and needs action. When stressed, hormones enter the blood, and the heart beats faster. Metabolism speeds up, giving you more strength and energy.
Research shows that short-term stress you can handle can be good. Moderate stress can boost thinking skills, quicken reactions, and even increase how much you get done. Here is how you can use it to your benefit.
What types of stress might you face? Psychologists describe two main kinds—acute and chronic. Acute stress is temporary and ends once the stressful situation is over. It has two subtypes:
Eustress is caused by exciting, enjoyable experiences like a wedding, moving, starting a new job, or having a baby. Sometimes, it comes from just thinking about these events.
Distress is different. It involves strong tension combined with feelings of sadness, exhaustion, or confusion. People find this type unpleasant and want to get rid of it quickly.
Chronic stress is very different from acute stress. It happens when someone is under long-term pressure from traumatic events but can’t change their situation. It often results in deep mental strain.
Knowing what type of stress you’re experiencing helps you decide what to do next.
How to Turn Different Types of Stress to Your Advantage Let’s look at how both acute and chronic stress can work for you.
Use positive excitement to push forward Could eustress be your friend? Think about making your real life as lively as your imagination. Then, take action right away.
For example, if you’re nervous about speaking at a conference but excited about it, don’t fight the nerves. Use that energy to prepare and perform better. Imagine how great you will look during the live broadcast. Then, start working on your speech without delay.
When you feel happy and excited, you’re less likely to procrastinate. That makes eustress a helpful tool.
Turn fear into a growth signal If you’re anxious before a speech, don’t see it as just fear. Instead, treat it as a sign of what you need to improve.
Ask yourself what’s making you feel unsafe or unsure. Write down your answers. Studies show that naming your feelings helps move your brain from acting on emotion to thinking clearly. This lets you plan how to fix the problem.
Choose one or two fears that seem most serious. Think about ways to ease them.
For example, if you’re worried about forgetting your main points, prepare notes or slides with key ideas. Practice giving your talk in front of a mirror or friends.
Stress can help you see your weak areas. It shows what you should work on to improve.