Developing Resilience to Stress | The Epoch Times
While stress can sometimes motivate us to perform better, it often ends up draining our energy. Stress is an inevitable part of life, and not all stress is harmful. Research shows that short bursts of stress can actually boost our immune system and improve our attention span. However, chronic stress in large doses can be destructive and distracting, and is a major risk factor for serious diseases.
To strike a balance with stress, it’s important to build resilience. Dr. Stephen Sideroff, an expert in optimal performance from UCLA, suggests in his book “The 9 Pillars of Resilience” that resilience is key to preventing stress from wearing us down.
Although stress is known to have negative effects on our brain and body, it also serves as a survival mechanism. The fight-or-flight response triggered by stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol is meant to help us in life-or-death situations. However, for most stressors we encounter in daily life, fighting or running away isn’t a suitable response. This unresolved tension can drain our energy and lead to burnout if not managed.
To counter the constant stress we face, it’s crucial to find ways to enter a state of rest and digest for our body to recover and replenish its resources. This recovery state helps reduce inflammation caused by stress and prepares us to tackle the next challenge more effectively.
Mr. Sideroff emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and creating “Islands of Safety” in our day to relax and recharge. By accepting where we are now and treating ourselves with compassion, we can cultivate resilience and better navigate the stresses of life.
