HOW TO EMBRACE STRESS

Behavioural expert Abdullah Boulad (balanceluxuryrehab.com) explains how to change your stress mindset

Keep a eustress journal

The key to switching your perception of stress is to be able to catch that fight or flight response when it comes up, and find the positives instead of the negatives.

If you’re in the habit of experiencing distress over eustress, this won’t come naturally right away. You’ll need to create new neural pathways to get there. Writing about both types of stress is one great way to do this, as it allows you to pick apart the things that have left you feeling stressed and see how you can change your patterns.

Ask yourself what was going through your mind in that moment? Did any other emotions arise? How did you feel after? What can you do to support yourself next time?

Power of exercise

When you push yourself during a workout, your body releases a cocktail of chemicals to keep you going. Some are a result of the fight or flight response kicking in, which can trigger distress or eustress. But when exercising, you have an outlet, so lean into the experience.

Be aware of the sensation – you’re not in danger, there’s nothing to run from or fight – but you’ve been given this huge surge of power.

Exercising through this chemical response gives you the opportunity to identify that satisfying experience as a way of enjoying stress.

Over time, this will help you react to stress in a far more manageable way, making it easier for you to cope with minor stressors like competitive sport or a big job interview, rather than fall victim to distress.

Go outside your comfort zone

By doing things that push you out of your comfort zone, you’re giving your mind and body the opportunity to experience stress in a very controlled way. You’re choosing to put yourself into a situation, whether it’s a skydive or asking for a raise.

In time, you will really start to enjoy the exhilaration of eustress.