[Procyona]

Can stress be used as advantage and how?

To my mind, stress, like any feeling is an indication. When I feel stressed it means there needs to be a change. But also, even when I relax, the energy
in stress can be used for work for a short time. Of course then I also need to come back to balance, and be sure to know ones limits in handling stress.   

[Haveunique]

Milla! Please write a more detailed article about the ways to make use of stress, post it here, maybe we also post it on the blog! Thank you   

[Procyona]

Alright!   

[Haveunique]

So is there the article?   

[Procyona]

Thank you for reminding me Tetyana, I'm still on it   

[Procyona]

Here is the article I wrote on the blog as well.


How to make stress work for you


Well, how do you take stress?

If you are like me, you might have thought that stress is a bad thing.
If you life was a fairy tale, stress would definitely be the bad guy. Maybe
not the ultimate bad guy, but the one that consumes your energy and
prevents you from enjoying the tale.

If you are like me, though, you might consider that the tale is not just
either enjoyment or stress. More likely some stress makes the tale worthwhile.

It's like blood pressure. Think about it. Even though a high blood pressure
can be dangerous, the pressure is crucial to ensure flow of blood, oxygen
and nutrition to every part of your body.

Without stress there is no movement. Without stress, the knights probably
would not go to dragon's lair to rescue any princess'. Most probably they
would lay down for easy meals and drinks.

Stress keeps you on the move and helps you to achieve what you drive
for. It is one of life's energies. With the energy in stress, it's the balance
that matters. Usually you have too much stress rather than too little.


So, what to do with the excess energy?

Stress is energy, and energy can be used for your advantages. When you
have a great deal of energy locked in, you might be too overwhelmed by
the sheer amount of it. This energy needs to get out. Here is what I do to
let it loose:

1. work out
2. create
3. clean

1. Work out to relax
Run, jump, do sit-downs or sit-ups, what ever to make yourself too tired
to stress anymore. At the same time you stay in good shape and feel relaxed
after the work is done.

2. Create for inspiration
Energy is a form of creativity and inspiration. If you are to create something,
stress is a good force to make material for later use. Doodle, draw, plot
and play to your heart's content.

3. Clean to make room for new ideas
Cleaning is not just a mechanical action, but it makes room for new things,
both literally and in your mind. Use your energy to wipe all that dust, do the
dishes and enjoy the clarity you gain.


Ok, how to find the balance then?

This might be a very personal matter, but first thing is that you are moving.
Staying too much in the same spot can make you feel uneasy in the end.
(Think about those knights just laying there. So much rust!)

Secondly, I like to go for those things that stress me out. Feeling of stress
tells that things are important to you. It might be your passion, and might
make you afraid. There is always a prize you pay from what you get. But
where would excitement be without a dragon or two, right?

Most importantly, to find the balance, you need to understand that stress
is not a villain. Stress readies you for action, fast reactions and swift thinking.
It is your aid to get past your dragons. It aids to make the tale go the way
you want it told.

So next time your heart pumps fast, make that stress work for you. Or better
yet, make the stress your friend.

More on this subject, listen to Kelly McGonigal on TED.
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend   

[vmashchenko]

Somebody said that the more level of stress you can handle, the more cool/strong you are.

I think that often we use word 'stress' as something strong and negative, maybe the peak level of stress that we must avoid to keep our nervous system healthy.   

[Faroth]

Thank you Milla for a good article.

Stress is in matter of fact good thing, but only when it doesn't overwhelm us. Little stress only makes us be our best on focusing and creating or whatnot.

When I'm feeling too stressed I might talk with someone close to me, play some video games, read or listen to music. Running and working out are also very good tools to balance the feelings in my head.   

[vmashchenko]

Load your stress on to someone probably is not better option!   

[Procyona]

[Faroth]