Bustle – 7 Ways To Make Stress Work For You, Because Sometimes You Can’t Get Rid Of It
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Despite its inherent discomfort and our wary attitudes about it, stress can be an extremely useful experience. That is, if you know how to make stress work for you.
I was very pleased to have my thoughts about how to make stress work for you included in this savvy round-up for Bustle. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
It’ll Help Kick Your Fears’ Butts
When you’re feeling stressed out, take a moment to stop spiralling and instead think about what trigger is making you think you can’t overcome your obstacle. If you have a deadline at work, is your stress making you think you don’t have the talent or knowledge to pull through in time? Or if your stress is stopping you from trying something new, is it hinting that you can’t succeed? Think about what it’s hinting at, and then remind yourself that it’s not true, using that original stress to kick your fears’ butts.
Clinical psychologist Alicia H. Clark, PsyD told entrepenuer site Fast Company, “Look for the part of the stress or anxiety response tricking you into thinking you can’t handle it. That part is the part that drives you to avoid doing what you need to do.” Instead of succumbing to your anxiety and making it stop you from achieving your goals, use it as a flag for self-doubts and put-downs. Then, take those negatives right out of the situation with the knowledge that they’re just that: Not true.
Use It As A Lesson For Next Time
Did you take too long to start on a project? Did you book a ticket too late and now you’re in a pickle? Did you not prepare well enough for a big meeting and now you’re anxious? It’s not a good spot to be in, but use that stress as a lesson for next time. Review what you did wrong and learn your lesson to not repeat past mistakes.
Clark suggested, “Put your anxiety to work by listening to what’s causing it, paying particular attention to those factors, and using your heightened state of awareness to do a better job.” In this way, your stress is a positive. It’s alerting you that you didn’t do your best job, and it’ll make sure you don’t do it again.