Coping Well in a Stressful World

I don’t do well with stress at all. I remember that even before mental health became widely talked about, during my secondary school years I would find myself sweating before an exam and my hands would become sweaty. Even when I started preaching or whenever I was invited to speak, I wouldn’t eat, not because I was fasting, but simply because I tend to become anxious. I also go to the bathroom more often than usual before a seminar or an interview.

Over time, I learned to self-regulate by using prayer as a coping mechanism or by engaging in deep breathing exercises. This type of stress is called distress. It is the kind of stress that overwhelms you and makes your body react in uncomfortable ways.

On the other hand, there is another kind of stress that pushes me to get up and get things rolling. This is called eustress. It is the stress that comes with planning an event, going on a vacation, or even relocating. I love this kind of stress and tend to thrive while organizing myself around accomplishing it. Wake me up at 3 a.m. to get to the airport for a vacation and I will say, bring it on 😜. Yes, it sometimes leaves me tired and worn out, but it still brings a smile each time I think about the next step.

So my conclusion is this: do I take the good stress and drop the bad stress? No. Not all stress is the same, and life will inevitably bring both kinds.

What we can do, however, is accept whatever life throws at us and find the right coping mechanisms that work for us—whether that looks like talking to a therapist, embracing self-care, taking a break, praying, or engaging in mindfulness.

And sometimes, we can simply give ourselves a pat on the back and say, we’ve got this through God who strengthens us.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina,
New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456