REDUCE YOUR NEGATIVE STRESS

The fact is, we all need work, we need to add value to society, we need to have that feeling of being part of something greater. How many of us are unhappy with the situation we are in, and not doing what we would really like to do? Or, even worse, not doing the things we are really good at? Frustration and resignation are just a question of time. We can’t get rid of the feeling that we have much more potential than we apply. We need stress, but only positive stress.

Yes, there are two forms of stress: positive and negative. There is a huge difference between them. Positive stress, also called eustress, increases performance, makes you excited about a new, challenging and demanding situation, which you think you can handle.

It gives you energy and is essential to bring zest to life.

Excitement is what it is all about, and makes life worthwhile.

Insufficient positive stress is followed by boredom, hopelessness and apathy.

Negative stress, called distress, can cause physical and mental damage. When too much negative stress is present individuals feel frustrated, fearful or angry.

Have you ever seen people three years after retirement when they don’t have any hobbies? Remember Grandpa Simpson from The Simpsons? That’s how they look. Just because they lost their rhythm, it is slow death by boredom.

The same happens to people who have lost their jobs. They have time but they cannot enjoy it. Losing work seems to be normal these days.

Headlines in the Financial Times and other business newspapers are full of it. Friends and family tell me of such cases right across the market and in every category of job. Change is tremendous, a serious virus, slow but lethal for many individuals, and with severe consequences for their families. I also see many people leaving their workplace because they don’t fit in and others who haven’t had the good fortune to get sacked and become slowly ill because of their work.

It is important to distance yourself from negative distress and create positive stress in your life.

Jürgen Salenbacher — Author of “Creative Personal Branding”, a professional resource that makes rewarding reading for anyone in the creative economy and is a key practical tool for those who are interested in positioning themselves in it.

and create positive stress in your life.