Spring is here – flowers blooming, summer approaching. What's there to be stressed about?
Oh, just taxes (still having palpitations), daily doomscrolling, house projects before summer hits, work conferences ramping up, and making up for winter slacking by hitting the gym 5 days a week.
Whether you're physically active all day, have a demanding job, or juggle an endless to-do list – your body is under stress. And here's the thing: you need some stress. It actually helps you. But too much? Havoc on your sanity and your body.
How We Handle Stress: The 3 Stages
When we encounter a stressor, we enter General Adaptation Syndrome:
1. Alarm Your nervous system floods you with adrenaline. Heart racing? Breathing quickened? A little shaky? You're in stage one.
2. Resistance Your body tries to calm down and return to normal, but only if the stress passes. If not, it keeps pumping adrenaline. Feeling irritable, frustrated, sleeping poorly, stomach issues? You're stuck here.
3. Exhaustion Your body's been fighting stress nonstop with no breaks. Overly fatigued? Burnt out? Zero tolerance for even minor annoyances? Feel like you can't handle the day ahead? You're in the danger zone.
The Two Types of Stress
Eustress (Good Stress)
Short-term, manageable, beneficial
Examples: Preparing for a lecture, studying for an exam, exercise
That adrenaline burst helps you get things done, push through challenges, and improve
Key: It's temporary – it goes away quickly
Distress (Bad Stress)
Chronic, overwhelming, long-term
Increases risk of heart disease, weakens immune system, worsens diabetes, GERD, anxiety, depression
This is the one to avoid
How to Kick Stress Out on Its Ass
Even good stress for too long can hurt you. If stress has been your clingy, unwelcome friend for weeks, try these:
Deep breathing exercises (YouTube or apps)
Muscle relaxation (yoga, massage, sauna)
Mindfulness and meditation
Hobbies (paint-by-numbers for me!)
Physical exercise (even a walk with a friend or your dog)
Pro tip: Noisy brain won't shut up? Add light music, a favorite show, a podcast, or call a friend to give yourself something else to focus on.
Try one or two. If they work, excellent. If not, keep trying. The world is your oyster.
Be inquisitive, be safe, and keep living the good life.
– Sasha
Full Disclosure: I'm writing this as myself, not as a doctor or your personal trainer. This content is purely educational or my personal thoughts - not in place of medical or health professional advice or treatment. While I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, I’m not a healthcare provider. Seek advice from your health care practitioner before starting physical activity or making serious changes to your health. If you experience any pain or discomfort when participating in the activities, immediately stop and reach out to your health care professional. Please use at your own risk and proceed with caution.