P1: The First Step to becoming Stress(ed) for Success
You probably already have a good idea about what stress is, and what it means to be or feel stressed out.
In this 3-part blog we explore a stress mindshift...that is how can it be helpful instead of something to avoid.
If you were to crack open a dictionary, stress would be defined as “a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.” It’s a pretty accurate description, but it doesn’t paint the full picture. Stress is something most of us deal with daily, whether we’re aware of it or not. It can show up as that tightness in your chest before an important presentation, the racing thoughts when you’re juggling multiple deadlines, or the creeping tension in your shoulders when life just feels too much.
In short, stress is the body’s response to anything that demands attention or action.
(Remember this for later!)
Ok Good, so put the dictionary away and lets get into what Stress is like In Real Life
Most of us think of stress as that nagging little voice in your head that says, “You’re not ready,” “You’re going to mess this up,” or “You have to get this done, or else!” It’s a mix of emotional, mental, and physical sensations that show up when we’re under pressure. We feel our heartbeats quicken, muscles tighten, and minds start racing—especially when we’re dealing with something important or overwhelming.
It’s easy to label stress as the bad guy, but it’s essential to remember that stress is a natural part of being human.
Whether you’re an overthinker who plays out every possible scenario in your head or someone prone to self-sabotage because the pressure makes you freeze, stress is likely a frequent guest in your life. The trick isn’t to eliminate stress altogether (spoiler: stress free is a myth...sorry not sorry) but to understand what it’s trying to tell you.
What were going to explore...and breathe as you read this bit, Stress isn't the Problem.
The real issue is when we’re unaware of how stress affects us. Your stress response is often an autopilot response, or a learned behavior to cope. We react without thinking. Have you ever noticed yourself spiraling into a sea of worries without realizing how you got there? That’s stress at work, pulling the strings behind the scenes. The more aware we are of how stress impacts our thoughts, emotions, and actions, the better equipped we are to manage it, and you guessed it...USE IT.
Think of this awareness as a flashlight in a dark room. When you shine that light on the areas where stress lives, you suddenly see things more clearly. You might notice that stress shows up every time you’re working on something new, or that it sneaks in when you’re feeling uncertain, or even around some people. Awareness helps you pinpoint what’s happening, so instead of reacting blindly, you can respond intentionally.
Being aware of stress doesn’t mean you’ll never feel it or feel overwhelmed. Instead, it’s about recognizing the early signs of stress before it spirals out of control. This might look like noticing when your thoughts start racing or when your body tenses up. It’s in these moments that you can pause, take a breath, and assess what’s going on.
Are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Are you overestimating the challenge ahead? Awareness gives you the space to challenge the narrative stress creates.
By tuning into how stress shows up for you, you gain control over it rather than letting it control you.
THE FIRST STEP!
What's your Daily Stress Routine?
Over the next few days...
Do quick check-ins with yourself throughout the day.
Ask yourself these questions: “How am I feeling right now?” “Where do I feel tension in my body?” “What thoughts are running through my mind?”
These moments of self-reflection can reveal patterns in how you respond to stress.
For instance, you might notice that you feel stressed every time you check your email because you associate it with demands and deadlines.
Recognizing that trigger (what causes you stress) and the response (how stress affects you) is the first step toward changing how you react to it.
This is just the FIRST STEP...
In our society, stress is often seen as the enemy, something to be avoided at all costs. But what if we shifted that perspective? What if, instead of seeing stress as something negative, we viewed it as information—something that could actually be helpful?
That’s where part two of this blog series comes in.
It’s one thing to recognize stress; it’s another to change how you view it...so its ok if you're not sold on the idea just yet.
Build your Daily Stress Routine as described above.
In 5 days we’ll continue to explore how stress can be a tool for growth and self-understanding rather than something that drags you down...in Part 2.
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Have Questions? Let's chat about your relationship with stress.
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