Your stress level may not be as high as you think it is.  Find out your level of stress by completing a Perceived Stress Scale.

Understanding Adaptive Stress

Adaptive stress is the process your body and mind go through when exposed to any kind of stress. Stress consists of triggers and responses, which can be categorized as either positive or negative.

Positive Stress: It Benefits You

Positive stress is short-term and usually gives you a sense of well-being. This type of stress occurs when you’re excited and feel no threat or fear. Positive stress helps you face challenges, motivates you to take action, and reach your goals. It’s vital for a healthy life.

Negative Stress: It Benefits You Until It Doesn’t

Negative stress can be short-term or long-term. Short-term negative stress may cause an intense reaction but can often be reduced with stress-relief strategies like deep breathing, refocusing, and mindfulness. Long-term negative stress, however, tends to repeat itself and can take a heavy toll on both the body and mind.

Common sources of long-term stress include relationship issues, financial problems, work-related pressures, unmanaged health or mental health problems, racial inequities, and perceived losses. The impact of chronic negative stress on health can manifest as headaches, sleeplessness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, pain, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.

For a deeper understanding of your personal stress level, consider completing the free Perceived Stress Scale (click here: solutionfocusedhealth@gmail.com with “StressWorks II Scale” in the subject line.)

Positive and Negative Stress: Both Are Involved in the Mind-Body Loop

1. At the top of the first column, write: Identify at least 3 specific things that create stress (triggers) in my life.

2. At the top of the second column, write: State my response to each of these stressors/situations (including what you think, what you do/your behavior, or how you manage each situation).

3. At the top of the third column, write: State how my body feels when thinking about each stressor (give specific details about symptoms); describe any emotional feelings that surface.

4. Take a moment and step back, and be honest with yourself here. Ask if any one of the triggers happens more than 1-2 times/month. Also ask if any trigger interrupts your life or causes uncomfortable symptoms on a regular basis. If so, consider a coaching program to help you gain greater insight into your life and find solutions that break the repetitive cycle that stress causes.

If you feel you need help navigating stress responses, consider a coaching program. Request a free call and email: solutionfocusedhealth@gmail.com and write “Free Call-Stress” in the subject line.

Stress Adaptation: How Well Do You Adapt to Repeated Stress?

Most people adapt to stress successfully by consistently implementing natural stress-relief techniques, such as:

• Practicing yoga

• Eating a balanced diet

• Getting a good night’s sleep

• Accepting things that can’t be controlled

• Maintaining a positive attitude

• Practicing mindfulness

To adapt effectively to chronic stress, it’s important to evaluate the specific elements of your stressors. Consider the severity or harshness of the stress, how it happens, its patterns, and duration. These are key steps in understanding your current stress level.

For a deeper understanding of your personal stress level, consider completing the Perceived Stress Scale.

Ready to know your stress level? To receive a free Perceived Stress Scale, email Solutionfocusedhealth@gmail.com with “StressWorks II Scale” in the subject line.