How do you perceive stress? Is it a threat? Is it a challenge?
This weekend I had the opportunity to watch my niece run the 3200 meter race at State Track. After she crossed the finish line she had the dry heaves. Her dad was beaming while counting her heaves as her mom took pictures of her after race nausea. We quickly ran to greet her at the fence as she was not feeling the joy. We were all laughing, not at her of course, but proud she gave it her all. It made me wonder why we do it. Why do athletes sign up for such stress? Upon investigation, I found out why stress is in fact good for you. Author, Kelly McGonigal says 'stress creates resilience and growth'. When something we care about is at stake, we experience stress. Obviously my niece cared about racing well. She was willing to stress all day mentally and stress physically during the race. There is no doubt athletes are tougher than most. Great athletes are willing to go to the dark place longer and stay longer in stress. Stress/pain is a warning light, but by no means do you have to perceive it as a threat. I joined my CrossFit buddies for a 3 mile trail run this weekend. The stress of running trails forces awareness and discipline. As three of us raced ahead through the first mile, one runner fell, flying over a tree branch. "Leave no man behind" was my first thought, but the lead man raced ahead and I followed as we glanced back to check for movement, and she was back on her feet. We chose to wear a weighted vest to add stress. Our mindset? It was a challenge, not a threat. It was short term, and in turn we would grow mentally and physically. Let me ask, how do you perceive stress? Is it a threat or a challenge? If you are stressed, do not be a victim. Believe you have the resources to handle stress. Use the energy of stress to perform at a higher level. Make stress a challenge and grow. The month of May brings stress to many. Teachers are tired (including myself), students are testing and ready to be done, parents are busy with end of year projects. Challenge yourself and try to change your perception of stress. Stress is not your enemy! Your perception of stress is the enemy. Stress is reality.. use this reality for challenge and growth. Stress shows you care and gives life meaning. Without stress, life has no meaning. So, if for some reason you were "stress free" before you read this, now you have something to stress(care) about.:) "Feel the Rush"
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AuthorToday is the first day of the rest of your life. What do you want your life to look like? The amazing thing is the choice is yours. I have spent many years of my life being passive, allowing things to happen to me. How many of us are spectators in our own lives? I know I was for years. I watched my energy decrease. I was tired, bloated, and had brain fog. Most days I woke up only to look forward to my next nap.Then I began an active quest for energy, peace and joy! I can honestly say it was a long journey, which I am still on. I am no longer looking for the magic pill! Magic hacks....yes! At 51 I feel more energetic than I have in years. If I were to give everyone the top 3 things to allow you to live your life with energy, peace and joy... Archives
July 2022
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