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 Positively StressedStress can either serve as our enemy or our ally.
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The Bible teaches us to "be strong and courageous; do not be terrified; do not be discouraged" (Joshua 1:9). Often the way we size up a demanding situation determines whether the stress we experience serves as our ally or acts as our enemy. If we think we're unworthy to meet a challenge, that feeling of unworthiness will produce negative stress. If we remember we are God's creation, we'll welcome the opportunity to use our God-given talents. Our enthusiasm will produce positive stress that will push us to perform at our peak. "Assume a positive viewpoint," suggests Dennis E. Hensley, author of Positive Workaholism and an associate professor at Taylor University. "Rather than saying 'No one will hire me for this job because I'm too old,' a senior applicant can adjust her attitude and say, 'I have more experience than anyone else interviewing for this job!' Rather than saying, 'No one takes me seriously because I'm so young,' a newcomer to the job market can say, 'I'm fresh out of school with state-of-the-art skills, and I have youth and energy on my side!' Phrase everything in positive terms and stress becomes an asset, not a liability." Ignite the SparkWe may never qualify for the Olympics, but we can all learn a lesson from world-class athletes who clamp headsets over their ears as they wait their turn to compete. Whether they're listening to a favorite motivational speaker or inspirational music isn't important. What matters is that they've identified their personal strategy for pumping themselves up and getting their butterflies to fly in formation. These instant pick-me-up techniques blot out distractions, help them focus, and infuse them with a spurt of positive energy. What works for you? Some people carry a favorite Scripture verse or a few lines of poetry to review immediately before plunging into a stressful situation. Others rely on a funny cartoon that causes them to laugh, and the laughter releases an adrenalin rush that carries them through an ordeal. Each of us needs to determine our individual way of igniting the spark that fires our positive emotions. Give Yourself Time"I can't remember a time when I didn't carry some kind of planner with me," says Julie Ieron. "I trust my planner to carry the details, and this frees my mind to concentrate on the important things in life." It also reduces negative tension caused by arriving late, forgetting appointments, losing phone numbers, and scheduling obligations on top of each other. One key to harnessing positive stress is having time to prepare for demanding situations and time to rejuvenate between them. More than 40 percent of adults who participated in a recent survey admitted they felt they were on a treadmill and couldn't get off; almost double that number said they would like more time to "stop and smell the roses." A carefully designed calendar that shows a month-at-a-glance can ensure adequate smell-the-roses time. It also indicates days that contain too much or too little stress. |             |
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