Do you ever feel like you’re carrying stress on your back, as if it's your constant companion?
The pressures we face on a daily basis can often feel like an unending treadmill of responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations. Much of it, self-inflicted.
But for a moment, let’s think about these next two questions: Could you unknowingly be hooked on stress? Do you use stress as a crutch to explain why you are the way you are or why you can't do this or that?
Ambition and growth are always beautiful things to aspire to, but as you navigate this path, it’s easy to overlook how stress can gradually intertwine with your daily routines.
So how does stress shape your life? Let's dive in.
ACUTE STRESS: SURVIVAL'S SHADOW
Imagine standing on the precipice of a cliff, looking at a beautiful sunset. Unexpectedly, you’re caught off guard by a sudden gust of wind. Your heart races, your senses sharpen, and you’re fully immersed in the present moment, fighting for stability.
This is acute stress, your body’s natural response, safeguarding your survival in a threatening scenario.
Yet, in the midst of your daily life, could the urgency you feel be a sign of an addiction to this stress?
In other words, is it possible that your body has become accustomed to this heightened state of alertness, mistaking everyday challenges as threats?
CHRONIC STRESS: THE SILENT SABOTEUR
Now, let’s focus on chronic stress—the stealthy saboteur.
Chronic stress emerges from ongoing pressures. For example: from work, relationships, or financial concerns. Unlike acute stress, which offers a swift exit once danger passes, chronic stress lingers, weaving its way into the fabric of your existence.
Now is the time to take a moment to think about whether stress has slowly morphed into your default state over time.
Do you, for example, find it challenging to escape never-ending to-do lists? Or the pressure to always be on top of things and perform?
It’s possible that you’ve inadvertently turned chronic stress into a crutch, relying on the adrenaline surge that accompanies constant multitasking?
Unchecked, it can indeed become a crutch, a familiar yet unhealthy coping mechanism.
EUSTRESS: THE POSITIVE STRESS
Amid the shadows of acute and chronic stress, lies a hero of all stress: eustress.
Unlike its counterparts, eustress is a positive form of stress, accompanying challenges and personal growth.
In psychological terms, eustress is a positive cognitive response. It fuels creativity, enables us to set grand goals, and reminds us that stepping beyond our comfort zones can be a transformative experience.
REFLECTING ON STRESS: TAKING A BREATH
So, are you addicted to stress? It all comes down to recognizing when stress fuels your growth rather than serving as a crutch.
So here’s a simple step for you this week: Whenever you feel stress creeping in, pause for a moment, and take a deep breath. As you exhale, let go of any tension you’re holding onto. Use this moment to remind yourself that stress can be a catalyst, propelling you towards meaningful transformation instead of trapping you in an endless cycle.
And as you reflect, empathize with the real pain points that stress can bring. Visualize the life you desire, one where you’ve found balance and purpose.
This is your journey. It's time to rewrite your story.
Until next time.
Oliver Bukasa
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