Stress(ed) for Success: 5 Ways Stress Can Make You Stronger (Part 3)

The Strengths of Stress

In high-stress or competitive environments, we’re more likely to hear about the negative impacts of stress. But throughout this series, we've been challenging that narrative, because stress isn’t all bad.

In fact, it can be a powerful tool for enhancing Mental Performance

If you've been here for the whole series...Gold Star!

If not, here’s a quick recap

Step 1 Knowing your Personal Stress Equation (Read Part 1)

Step 2 Reimagining the Purpose of Stress (Read Part 2)

Step 3 Using Stress a STRENGTH (Continue Reading)

The idea of Stress as a Strength probably sounds like some kind of fantasy talk, but let's talk about it. Or in the words of your favorite therapist...Let's Unpack That.

Stress can offer benefits that can help you thrive both personally and professionally

As a High Performance Psychologist - I work with people who challenge the narratives of success and failure in sport, business and the arts.

The rule of thumb I practice and preach, is viewing stress as a challenge rather than a threat. Let me tell you, this has been a life hack and helpful place to put my competitive energy - challenging and embracing stressful situations as a Way to Enhance Performance.

Stress actually WANTS to help, but our misunderstandings and outdated perceptions often get in the way. When viewed correctly, stress can sharpen focus, strengthen immunity, build resilience, boost motivation, and increase physical ability. 

The key is learning to let it help, instead of pushing it away.

Let's break this down like a B-Girl at the Olympics in 5 moves.

1. Stress Sharpens Your Focus

Stress can help your brain function better, the pressure of a situation makes you more focused and alert by boosting concentration. This heightened state of awareness is your brain’s way of getting supercharged for problem-solving. You've heard of the FLOW state, where things seem to move in slow motion and options/choices/decisions seem crystal clear.

Stress helps you zero in on the task at hand, making you more efficient and effective.

2. Stress Boosts Immunity

The natural and internal stress response helps your body fight off infections and heal faster. There is a temporary increase in immunity to help you stay healthy during critical periods, like major projects or competitive seasons. Ever wonder why you're more likely to get/feel sick after a tournament/conference or carnival and not during? Your body is primed to keep you functioning. A little bit of stress kicks your immune system into gear.

3. Stress Builds Resilience

Each time you manage a stressful situation, you get better at handling the next one, your mental and emotional strength increases. Practice and Pressure doesn't make perfect, but it makes you prepared. By facing and overcoming stress, you develop coping skills and strategies that prepares you for future stressors.

4. Stress Fuels Motivation

Stress provides the energy and focus to get things done. It’s that extra push that drives you to achieve your goals and exceed expectations. With your back up against the proverbial wall, stress-induced motivation ensures that put aside complacency, gets on your toes and if managed ensures you are productive and proactive, even in the face of significant challenges. Stress can be a great motivator.

5. Stress Enhances Physical Performance

The most fundamental function of stress, is to get you ready to protect or escape. Up till now you've maybe spent most of your response on 'escape', ignoring and avoiding stress. The other side of the coin though is being sharp and agile in the face of it, this is also what you'd call. Performing Under Pressure. Stress triggers your body’s fight-or-flight response, giving you a burst of energy and strength.

Armed with these Strengths of Stress you have 5 reasons why you WANT stress, instead of avoid it.

TIP: To avoid overwhelm as you practice this Mind Shift, i'd suggest focusing on one of the 5 strengths at a time, until you can understand exactly how you respond, so you can then harness it constructively.

Remember: You're retraining your Relationship with Stress. So Patience Young Grasshopper!

Repeat after me..."Stress is a challenge NOT a threat!"

I bet you never thought that you would ever look forward to your next stressful situation

You're Welcome!!

Struggling to implement this Mindshift or want some support with a specific life/work/performance stressor?

I'm Here to Help.

Book a MindShift Consult and let’s get you back in alignment.

MindShift Consult