Stress is a double-edged sword. For a high performer—whether an executive, athlete, or creative—stress can propel you to excellence or hinder your progress entirely. Understanding the nature of stress and employing effective strategies to manage it can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving.
The Nature of Stress: Friend or Foe?
Dr. Hans Selye, often called the "father of stress research," famously said, “Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” This underscores the concept of eustress, a positive form of stress that can fuel growth, motivation, and peak performance. Recognizing the distinction between eustress and distress allows high performers to harness stress constructively.
However, unmanaged chronic stress—distress—can wreak havoc. As Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned researcher on vulnerability and resilience, puts it, “We need to understand how stress affects us so we can recognize the difference between being stretched and being burned out.”
By better understanding the nuances of stress, such as eustress, we can address it in a new way. What if when we felt “stressed out,” we asked ourselves, “I’m feeling stretched? “ We understand that stretching (whether physically or emotionally) is the precursor to greater resilience and capacity. By noticing how we feel and responding in a way that honors and supports our well-being, we can implement new and different responses. It is in our awareness that all positive change happens.
Strategies to Master Stress
To navigate this fine line, high performers can adopt these practical strategies:
1. Mindfulness Practices:
Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are proven to lower cortisol levels and improve focus. Just 10 minutes a day can offer profound benefits. These can be achieved by practicing JMM's Sacred Time / Sacred Space (ST/SS).
2. Time Management:
Tools like Living Above the Line help us to prioritize tasks effectively by ensuring energy is allocated where it’s most impactful. Additionally, scheduling regular breaks can prevent burnout.
3. Physical Activity:
Exercise releases endorphins, acting as a natural stress reliever. Even a brisk walk can help reframe challenges and boost mood.
By integrating these habits into your routines, you can sustain your energy, creativity, and overall well-being, enabling you to excel in your endeavors.
Mastering stress is a journey of self-awareness and proactive adaptation. By understanding its dual nature and employing evidence-based strategies, high performers like yourself can transform stress from a barrier into a bridge to success. Success is living life on your terms and enjoying what matters most to YOU. How’s it going?
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