Very Happy Phil

Is stress good or bad? ‘Challenging’ Stress is good. Chronic stress is not good. Stressful experiences and short periods of stress are beneficial and good for us. I will give you an example; I have starting a new job a stressful new challenge. After a short period I get used to the work and become comfortable (within comfort zone) and I grow in confidence, thereby making it less stressful than when I first start. The same could be said of starting a new course or new hobby or doing an examination. They can be stressful experiences, however ultimately beneficial to our future. Our lives would be worse off (and we would be less happy) if we avoided stress altogether, avoid challenges outwith our comfort zone. Taking the 'road less travelled' is challenging which is why less people take that route.

‘Flow’ is the description used to describe an optimal experience which is challenging and just within our ability. If the challenge is too difficult it is a stressful experience and if it is too easy it’s boring!

Stress can save our life. Stress can help us jump out of bed if we hear a smoke alarm and jump off the road if a car approaches. Too little stress is not ideal and may be a sign that our life is not challenging enough.

We are all different. Some people find driving or flying stressful, other don’t. Attitude makes a difference. I will give you an example; people that are optimistic cope better in times of stress than those that don’t.

Some people cope after a very stressful event, like being made redundant, other don’t. Behaviours make a difference. I will give you an example; people that seek support from a close friend, partner or family member cope better than those that don’t. Those that eat, sleep and exercise cope better than those that don’t’.

The way we think and act can increase or decrease stress.

However people with certain personalities and certain genes can be more affected by stressful events. Everyone who experiences long term chronic stress is very likely to have a negative impact on mental and physical health. I will give you an example: chronic stress often leads to depression. And according to UK health and safety Executive figures stress is believed to trigger 70% of visits to the doctor and 85% of serious illnesses.

Too much stress can change the way we think and act. According to clinical nurse James Tighe some common signs of too much stress include:
• Increased irritability
• Heightened sensitivity to criticism
• Signs of tension, such as nail-biting
• Difficulty getting to sleep and early morning waking
• Drinking and smoking more
• Indigestion
• Loss of concentration

If you feel stressed over a long period of time and you notice you start to think or act in less positive ways like the examples above, take appropriate action.

Doing some work/exercise/caring is good.
Doing too much work/exercise/caring is not good.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me; “10 tips to stress less are:
1. Organise your day
2. Eat healthy
3. Go for a walk
4. Have an early night
5. See the funny side of life
6. Catch up with friends
7. Learn something new
8. Ask for help
9. Take time out
10. Reach out and help others
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/press/view_press.cfm?id=400

“Stress Less Day is organised to help promote being mentally healthy as part of Mental Heath Week”

“tips to stress less; make someone a cup of tea.”
-Australia Mental Health

“Some ways to cope with stress:
• Accept offers of practical help
• Do one thing at a time - don't keep piling stress on stress
• Know your own limits - don't be too competitive or expect too much of yourself
• Talk to someone
• Let off steam in a way that causes no harm (shout, scream or hit a pillow)
• Walk away from stressful situations
• Try to spend time with people who are rewarding rather than critical and judgmental
• Practise slow breathing using the lower part of the lungs
• Use relaxation techniques

“Stress caused by work is the second biggest occupational health problem in the UK (after back problems). One response to stress can be anger.”
- James Tighe, clinical nurse, NHS Trust
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/emotion_stress.shtm...

We can stress our body just by eating junk and drinking junk!

We can help our body and mind to flourish and combat stress; Good sleep Exercise Good food Hydrated (water is best)

We can ‘trick’ our body into being less stressed; Think positive Smile Breathing deeply Chew gum Happy people have happy habits Wishing you a joyful and meaningful life filled with love, fun and challenges.
Have a happy challenging stress week!

Keep positive!
Phil McNally
Positive Psychology Coach

Remember,
“Stress is good! Challenging stress is good for us! Chronic stress is not good for us.”
– Phil McNally

PS For more advice on happiness contact me

“Phil….love you book”
-Steve Boston, Director, Healthy Building Systems Australia

PPS Buy my book from this website by clicking on the book cover;

© Very Happy Phil McNally 2008
Creative Commons
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