Are you stressed? It is normal and CAN be a good thing!

Stress is a normal part of life and without it you really would not get anything done.

Those deadlines (unless there are too many all at once) are actually helpful.

Even having a visitor over can stress you enough to finally pick up and clean a bit.

Stress can also tell you what is important in your life.

What you value can stress you out – this is important to know!

I have a friend who often says, “I don’t care anymore.” But of course, she does. 

The stress you have can point to what you care about (often what you care about most). This a good place to start (and end): reflection! What do you value?

I value my family and there is a holiday This stresses me a bit. It is okay, because then I talk about it and communicate more. Stress can bring people together and help me to think clearly and plan better. After all, in Switzerland there are days on end where the grocery stores are closed. Meal plans are important!

Stress can be good and bring about other good (physical) results.

Stress not only shows what you care about and value the most, stress causes your bodies to prepare “for action”.

Last week I discovered that I would be teaching a new class in the fall and so I was stressed, so I got busy planning. This stress made my mind clear and ready for the preparation and emails that ensued (I connected to a colleague and asked for help). That stress also helps me to do a good job and even enjoy the preparation process.

Stress helps you perform better.

A certain level of stress helps you perform better. I have friends and family (no names here) who need a bigger amount of stress than I to get going and get that larger project done, say tax returns. 

Stress can help you to be a bit more motivated, especially if there is a hard deadline.

Stress brings growth.

After all, we all know it, really: “no pain, no gain”.

You even need stress (and discomfort) to grow. Research says so, friends.

AND good or bad stress is a lot about perception!

How you see the stress makes it better – or worse

Like many things, your attitude towards the stressor and the ensuing stress is what makes it good (and prepares us to “just do it”) or bad (and maybe makes us sick).  People who see stress as normal (and it is, friends!) are more likely to live longer and have fewer stress-induced illnesses.

Resilience has many factors, and stress response is normal.

At Jehle Coaching, I offer professional business coaching to the highest standards of the EASC (European Association for Supervision and Coaching). Part of this service is also regarding burnout prevention and resilience coaching- and I would love to have a conversation about how you can move forward and become a resilient person.

Next time I will talk more about “bad” stress.

Feel free to contact me to find out more at patricia@jehle-coaching.com

(This blog was written last week and is part of my upcoming ebook on stress and resilience in work and life).

Have a normal stressful week!

Patricia Jehle