5 Tips for Making Stress Your Friend — Or at Least a Valuable Acquaintance

Have you ever thought about making friends with stress? I know it sounds ridiculous, but there is actually some science behind it. There are studies, articles, research…all telling us that some stress can actually be beneficial. But friends? C’mon…

Check out the following video from Kelly McGonigal:

So what do you think? Are you ready to take a new approach to stress? The problem is, in the moment — when we’re really at the razor’s edge — it’s hard to think about the stress response as something that can propel us forward and help us succeed. But apparently, it’s important – so important that some folks think it’s a matter of life or death. With that in mind, let’s think of things we can do in the moment to calm down and reconnect so we can see things more clearly.

Here are some suggestions on how to use a moment of stress to get you focused:

1. Write it out. Journaling is a great way to get your insides out. It’s easier to get the bigger picture of a situation when you are forced to write it out and deal with it in concrete words. It’s amazing how the act of writing can lead to a different perspective.
2. Let it motivate you. Take it as a challenge. “Alright…this is a huge project, but I got this. I can do this!” Push through it. Find ways to plan ahead to avoid predictable stress. Know the challenge, plan for it, and let stress along the way be your guide.
3. Talk to a friend. Heck, talk to anyone! If you are struggling with an issue on your computer, find an online support community and seek help. Vent. Get that elephant off your chest! Or, send a text to a friend and vent. Just get it out.
4. Talk to yourself. Sounds weird, right? But that’s okay. Embrace it! If you find yourself sliding into a stress pit, catch yourself and talk yourself through it. Maybe something like this: “Okay, hold on. This is getting out of control. Think this through.” There’s a lot to be said for a pause. Speaking of which…
5. Pause and breathe. We always come back to this one, don’t we? And for good reason. See, stopping and getting back in touch with the breath in your lungs puts you back in touch with what really matters: your consciousness and pulse. Focus on that for a moment and put things in perspective.

We’re not friends with all the people we meet or work with, but many of those folks motivate us. Help us. Get us to think about things in a new way. So, think about that the next time someone asks you to look at stress in a new way. You don’t have to fall in love with stress or be best friends. Maybe you just need to be there with it and allow it to guide you. You might be surprised at the outcome.