How to Make Stress a Superpower
How to Make Stress a Superpower
We don’t think about stress as any kind of super. But today, I want to offer you some encouraging words.
Did you know…
When a piano is in tune, it’s under about 40,000 lbs. of string tension?
That’s a lot of tension!
No big deal if you’re an inanimate object.
But does it ever feel like making life work requires you live under enormous amounts strain?
Physical and/or emotional tension is called stress.
Stress is a Hidden Gem
The good news–the hidden gem–is that God knew what he was doing when he created hormones. These chemical messengers allow us to adapt and cope as needed.
Feeling tense during challenging times is normal. The stress is a superpower, enabling us to accomplish great feats.
Sometimes, the tension can hurt, so here are few practical tips to help in the moment:
- Deep Breaths. When breathing in, remind yourself you are in control. On the exhale, remind yourself stress is not the boss of you. Do this until you believe it.
- Give stress a name. Fear of ____. Be precise. Call it what it is.
- Talk to someone about that fear. Don’t be shy. They have fears too.
- Talk to God. He already knows what you’re feeling and is waiting with open arms to comfort you. Picture what that looks like.
- Walk and walk and walk. Burn off that stress. Stomp it out of your feet as you go, picture the stress leaving your body.
- Cry. This is an incredible tool for releasing tension. You can just be with someone when they cry. No words are necessary. As Ellie Mae’s grandma says in Hidden Truths: “Tears cleanse emotional wounds and speak to God when we can’t find words to explain how we feel.”
Stress in Action
Walking through trying times, we write a composition of life that reveals what skills we used to master the tension. We can’t prevent stress, but we can use it to benefit others.
Did you know, there are several free short stories on this website that show extraordinary people overcoming obstacles during stressful times? A woman gives birth in the aftermath of 9/11 in NYC, a soldier finds himself surrounded by enemy gunfire in WWII, a mother’s nightmare is realized when her child goes missing. All previously published, some have even won awards. Click on the image below or navigate here to see more.
I’m Listening…
What challenge, good or bad, are you facing today? You can post in the comments or email me directly at tammeramart@tammeramart.com. I read every email. Your journey matters to me and those around you–whether they realize it or not!
“Experience is a great teacher, but other people’s experiences are the best teacher.” A mash-up of quotes from Andy Andrews, Paul Smith, David Letterman, John Legend, etc., etc.
–Tammera
