Is Stress Good For You?

We, as a species are pretty stressed out. Especially lately. Many of us strive to have a stress free life however, this isn't really what you or anyone else want.

A life without stress would also be a life without meaning. But, it would also be a life without joy, health, reward and challenge. 

Let me explain why.

Your body needs this.

I know it's a cliche but your body thrives off stress. Setting on a coach cause basically 0 stress. Yet, bench presses, squats, running cause a ton.

Maybe a more interesting example

Astronauts in space lose as much as 1% bone density per month. 12x more than a senior citizen. This because being takes the stress off your bone weakening them significantly.

1. Distress

When people talk about wanting a stress free life what they are really saying is they want to remove negative stress, otherwise known as Distress.

2. Eustress

When you're training to run a marathon, learning a new skill, practicing a hobby you really love. This is the stress you encounter. It's the stress you want. Eustress, simple put is what makes life interesting.

Your brain needs challenge. Otherwise known as stressors

When you're approaching a new skill your brain sees that as a stress event. Not know what your doing cause uncertainty which is highly stressful.

THIS IS GOOD

An unchallenged mind will behave just like an unchallenged muscle. Weak, slow, Uncoordinated

The path to power, is through embracing challenge. 

For me personally when things get hard I let to think to myself, "This is making me stronger." 

This helps, Hardship has pretty much become a game for me.

When facing stressful situations, I can feel myself getting excited.

Possibly the best thing you can do for yourself is to learn to lean into stressful situations. When your personal relationship/friendships get hard, the strength to make the stressful decision is what improves future relations. When tempted by Netflix, spending the weekend covered in cheetoh dust while your apartment slowly degrades; Having the stregnth to make the Stressful Decision to dust the cheetoh dust off and go to gym is the choice that improves your life.