There are different types of stress, and most people are unaware that stress and health need to work together to maintain a sense of well-being, optimal physical and emotional health, and a sense of our purpose in life. If our level of anxiety is high on the negative side, with too much caused by work or family stress, then we aren’t in balance. Our physical bodies strive to maintain a balance by using positive stress and eliminating or reducing negative stress.
If a balance of stress and health is to be achieved, then we must learn to listen to our bodies and work to eliminate negative stress as much as possible. The key is to work to become an active participant in life and focus on the positives rather than the negatives. We do need some motivation to accomplish work and to find ways to reduce negative stress that can occur easily. For example, instead of focusing on the negative aspects of what is going on in your life, thinking of all the positive and gratifying things that are happening is a way to eliminate negative stress. Exercise, enjoyment of friends and family push us forward towards inner happiness and a sense of well-being. Setting even simple goals each day has many positive benefits.
Studies have also shown that a good balance of stress can create improvements to your immune system. Generally, to get the positive aspects of stress to help your body the amounts of stress need to be manageable and short. A series of short periods of stress will keep your body running at a strong level of performance, which is better for your health than extended periods of stressful activity, and lengthy periods of non-activity. Controlling the length of time you experience stress is one of many ways to manage stress in a productive way.
By providing your body with an appropriate mix and level of stress you will also be rewarded. Your brain will release different chemicals, namely endorphins, when a goal is reached. When you do this often enough, your body will come to expect the reward upon completion of the task and you will begin to enjoy the process of reaching your goal as well as the final result. Dealing with stress by looking at the positives and rewards that come is a great way to manage your stress levels and stay healthy.
Stress and health working together is the aim of a good and balanced life. Dealing with stress becomes a daily way of living. Stopping and thinking before you speak, and remembering to breathe and enjoy life as it is given to you will obviously increase your happiness and help you find a more positive way of being. Numerous articles on managing stress abound and simple techniques such as maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate exercise and setting even small goals in our lives will bring happiness and fulfillment.