I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
This may surprise you, but much of the stress you face is healthy.
We all encounter stressors in life and our bodies have been designed to respond to these perceived threats by preparing to either fight or run away. If you come face to face with a tiger, for example, this temporary response is necessary. You need your heart rate and adrenaline levels to dramatically increase to be prepared to either fight or outrun the tiger.
Stressors at work and at home are not all bad either. Deadlines, the nervousness you feel before an exam or a public speaking engagement– these stressors push you to levels of optimal alertness, behavioural and cognitive performance. In other words, you perform at your peak when certain stressors are present.
So why do studies show that stress kills? How can we say that stress is healthy and unhealthy at the same time? Well, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe it’s bad for you.
Of course, this is within reason, and I’m certainly not minimizing the terrible strain of facing illness, grief, financial strain or the burden of taking care of a sick loved one. That being said, in many cases a more positive attitude toward the stressors you face can be the difference between having a breakdown and tapping into the strength you need to overcome.
Change your attitude toward stress. If you believe it is hurting you, it definitely will. Meanwhile, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You’re not alone and the stressors you face don’t have to stress you out. Instead, they can bring out the very best in you.