As a coaching psychologist, I have heard countless individuals use the term “stress” to describe their emotional and mental state. However, what does stress really mean? Is it a positive or negative force in our lives? The truth is that stress is a complex concept that can be both beneficial and detrimental to our health and well-being. In this article, I will dispel the myths surrounding stress, explain how stress shows up in the mind and body and identify the tipping point between healthy and unhealthy stress.
Stress Myths
There are many myths surrounding stress that have been perpetuated by popular culture. For example, some people believe that stress is always bad, while others believe that stress is necessary for peak performance. The reality is that stress is a nuanced concept that can be both positive and negative. It all depends on the type of stress and how we respond to it.
Contradictory Evidence
Another challenge with understanding stress is that there is contradictory evidence around it. Some studies suggest that stress is harmful to our health and others suggest that stress can be beneficial. This is partly due to the fact that stress is subjective and can be experienced differently by different people.
What is stressful for one person may not be stressful for another. Additionally, the duration and intensity of stress can also impact whether it is beneficial or harmful.
Is Stress in the Mind or in the Body?
The answer is … yes you guessed it – both! Stress is a physiological and psychological response to a perceived threat or challenge. When we experience stress, the hypothalamus in the brain signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for the fight-or-flight response, which can be helpful in certain situations. However, if stress is chronic or overwhelming, it can have negative effects on our physical and mental health.
Impact on the Nervous System
Stress also impacts the nervous system. When we experience stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. This response is helpful in short bursts, but chronic stress can lead to over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system and a decreased ability to relax and recover.
What does positive/negative stress look like?
Positive stress, also known as eustress, is the type of stress that motivates us to take action and achieve our goals. It is evidenced in the body by increased heart rate and respiration, as well as increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline. The mind has greater focus and motivation and all behaviours and actions tend to increase productivity and goal attainment.
Negative stress, or distress, is the type of stress that overwhelms us and causes negative physical and mental symptoms. It is evidenced in the body by physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches and fatigue. It also can have the mind being influenced by negative thoughts and emotions. There is often decreased productivity and avoidance of tasks.
What is the tipping point?
The tipping point of stress can be thought of as a glass of water that slowly fills up as stressors accumulate. At first, the glass can hold a fair amount of water without spilling over, just like we can handle a reasonable amount of stress without feeling overwhelmed. However, as stress continues to pile up, the glass gradually becomes fuller and the water level rises closer to the brim.
At a certain point, the glass reaches its limit, and even a small drop of water can cause it to overflow. Similarly, when stress reaches a certain threshold, it can become overwhelming and trigger a range of negative physical and psychological symptoms.
And this tipping point between healthy stress and overwhelm is different for each person. Generally, stress becomes unhealthy when it is chronic and overwhelming, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, burnout, and chronic illness. However, stress can also be beneficial when it is short-lived and motivating, leading to increased focus and performance.
Final Thoughts
As we can see, there is no one truth about stress. It depends! What we do know is that by having a healthy practice of self-care and self-regulation and with healthy support around us (whatever that healthy support looks like) we are more able to deal with stress and work alongside the challenge rather than be overwhelmed by the challenge.
Take a deep breath and let it out slow,
Focus on the present and let your worries go.
Visualise your success and feel the joy it brings,
Let your heart sing as your soul takes flight with wings.
Remember that stress is just a signal,
That your body needs rest and renewal.
Take time for self-care and recharge your soul,
Prioritise your well-being and make it your goal.
Embrace your strengths and believe in yourself,
You have the power to overcome any obstacle.
With faith, hope and resilience as your guide,
You’ll find the courage to rise and conquer any tide.
So let go of fear and trust in your path,
Believe in your dreams and make them last.
With gratitude in your heart and a smile on your face,
You’ll find your power and live in a state of grace.
Pheona Croom-Johnson is Co-Founder and Academic Director of Sandown Business School. She has been in the OD field for over 35 years and mainly partners with C-Suite and Senior Leaders. Pheona is a triple credentialed Master Coach, Master NLP Trainer and credentialed Supervisor all with strong foundations in psychology. Book a call to find out more about coaching, leadership and/or supervision.