How to deal with stress and potentially stressful events

One of the best ways to deal with stress is to learn about what it really is (and isn’t) and change the way you think about it.

It might be hard to think positively about stress when most headlines focus on the negative effects stress can have on our health and well-being, but it is important to be aware that not ALL stress is bad. Repeat – not-all-stress-is-bad!

If you understand and believe that stress can be your friend, and not always your enemy, it may not have a negative impact on you at all.

For a lot of people, the moment you feel the slightest bit of stress it can feel like your whole world is caving in, that bad things will happen – we end up getting stressed about stress.

BUT, the right amount of stress has benefits and can give you the motivation to get stuff done… like studying for that upcoming exam, rehearsing for a work presentation, or even training for an important sporting match. Without any stress whatsoever, the motivation to act, to get off your butt and do things can be very limited. The important thing is to recognise when stress is serving you well, or when it has moved into the not-very-motivating/ unhelpful zone.

When stress might be approaching not-very-motivating or helpful:

• Headaches, tension in the body you can’t get rid of, chest pain, fatigue, sleep problems.
• Anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation or focus, feeling overwhelmed, irritability or anger, sadness or depression.
• Overeating or undereating, angry outbursts, social withdrawal, exercising less.

When it might be helpful to speak with someone like a psychologist, your EAP (employee assistance program), a guidance counsellor at your school, or a trusted GP/ doctor.

1. If warning signs and symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks.
2. If how you are feeling about anything is causing you significant distress – “why can’t I shake this?” “I want these feelings to stop!”
3. If the way you are feeling is preventing you from doing the things you need to do in life (e.g., work, family commitments, study) or the things you usually enjoy doing.

Tips to help you keep stress working as your friend:

1. Exercise: Partake in some physical activity/ get the body moving. What exercise is best? The exercise that you enjoy doing or, at the very least, the exercise that you can commit to consistently. Do what works for you.
2. Regular breaks: No one can work, study, practice or train for hours and hours straight and be effective. Break up your time into twenty-to-thirty-minute chunks so your brain doesn’t turn to mush.
3. Speak Up: Speak with a trusted friend, family member, or health professional. A problem shared is a problem halved.
4. Avoid distractions and the potential pitfalls of social media: Checking Instagram or TikTok every 5 minutes is a recipe for disaster. Have dedicated time for social media and try your best to avoid mindless scrolling. Viewing social media when you’re stressed has been shown to accelerate your spiral downwards.
5. Sleeping is good: If you get a good night’s sleep before a potentially stressful event, you will perform better. One of the best bits of advice for a good night’s sleep is routine. This can take some discipline to establish. Try your best to wake up at the same time every morning (be vigilant with this, even if you have a poor night’s sleep).

Remember: NOT ALL STRESS IS BAD FOR YOU. STRESS CAN BE YOUR FRIEND. STRESS CAN BE MOTIVATING.