lead to a range of more serious health issues from
stomach ulcers and insomnia to increased risk of
developing heart disease.
Don’t let the downside overwhelm you, however,
as there is also an upside to stress. Good stress, or
‘eustress’, refers to an optimal level of stress that you
can use to your advantage. A surge of this will spur
you on to meet a tight deadline, run for the train or
deliver your best presentation yet. On the stress
spectrum, good stress is located beyond your comfort
zone but before you become overwhelmed. Therein
lies a space where experiencing higher stress than
normal is associated with increased performance and
personal growth; it’s where you get things done and
can accomplish your goals.
Your brain is malleable and constantly being
reshaped by your experiences and thoughts thanks
to a process called neuroplasticity. What you pay
attention to really matters – as the focus of your
awareness builds or breaks down different networks
in your brain. If you’re always stressed, worried,
and focussed on what’s wrong, you’re actually
training your brain to do more of that – becoming
a prolific panicker. By spending a little time each day
building your capacity to be calm and clear, you’ll
strengthen these networks in your brain instead.
You can support yourself to operate from a positive,
relaxed state, where stress is more manageable,
and worrying is optional.
Annika’s quick calm tips
Get moving. Walk, ride, dance, swim... any kind of
movement will help clear your head and make you
feel calmer.Eat fresh and regular meals. Steer away from
comfort food, this is when you need to nourish. Do
your best to avoid caffeine and other stimulants and
avoid drinking alcohol when you’re distressed.Hang out with some furry friends. Spending time
with animals can ease your worries and leave you
a lot less tense. There are apps that let you borrow a
dog if you don’t have your own!Try to be more mindful. An 8-week mindfulness-
based stress reduction (MBSR) course can really
help. There’s plenty of research to support how well
this program works for your wellbeing, giving you
great tools and effective strategies to manage
your challenges.Ask for help. Discuss your symptoms and stress
levels with your GP if you’re concerned. They can
recommend useful coping strategies or refer you on
to counselling or therapy for further support and to
learn effective stress management skills.Strengthen your ability
to remain calm under
pressure by spending
a little time each day
building your capacity
to be calm and clear.Annika Rose
Annika is a wellbeing
scientist and meditation
teacher and the founder of
thewellbeingcollective.com.
She has worked as a mental
health professional in both
the UK and Australia and
has two degrees
in psychology.Turn
the page
to learn more
about recognising
your personal stress
signals and how to
head them off at
the pass...quiz