Good vs. Bad Stress
Good stress is that which comes & goes, stimulating us to achieve more. An example is when we are excited or inspired after watching a movie, going to a seminar or having a productive meeting. During this time we may be creative, energetic and motivated.
Bad stress is that which is chronic or long lasting. This is when the negative effects begin to show up and ultimately poor health. In fact most chronic health conditions today are associated with bad stress. Chronic stress is not healthy, and many people are chronically stressed that they don’t even realize how much, until they go on a relaxing holiday or leave their stressful environment (e.g. work or relationship).
Tips to help deal with chronic stress:
– Relaxing activities (yoga, meditation, classical music)
– Therapies aimed at inducing relaxation (Chiropractic, massage)
– Removing the stressful contributor or minimizing your exposure to it
– Colour therapy (choose colours in the green, blue, violet shades)
– Exercise (generally increases cortisol, however is counteracted by the release of endorphins – “feel good hormones”)