Chronic Stress
Seemingly simple actions often unveil layers of complexity. Consider the act of climbing stairs – a task that seamlessly involves shifting balance, coordinated movement, and muscle engagement. Yet, beneath this seemingly effortless action lies a web of physical, intellectual, and emotional intricacies.
Surprisingly, the parallel between stair-climbing and stress management is more profound than one might expect. Both phenomena possess multi-dimensional aspects that intersect physical, cognitive, and emotional elements.
The act of navigating stairs is a dynamic interplay of body mechanics. It requires a precise shift of balance on one foot to facilitate the lift of the other. As each foot lands, the body readjusts, ensuring smooth and continuous movement. This multi-dimensional task mirrors the complexity of stress management.
Stress, like stair climbing, is not inherently negative. Eustress is a term for productive forms of stress that propels you to the top of the stairs: visible growth and a felt-sense of improvement. It's the kind of stress that nudges you out of your comfort zones and trends towards enhancing capabilities. On the other hand, chronic stress transforms into an intricate labyrinth – a staircase without landings. This form of stress erodes your ability to uphold your core values and feels like a relentless ascent and descent.
Chronic stress can profoundly impact your relationships. Listening attentively, processing information, and formulating responses can be complex, cognitive tasks. Those experiences can unravel old patterns and learned "rules.”
Cognitive flexibility is a dexterity to navigate novel and unusual situations adeptly. Chronic stress shifts this vital skill down the so-called staircase to familiar, automated patterns. Being present in the moment helps to climb up the staircase or ignite cognitive flexibility practices, including managing stress and nurturing relationships. As you navigate towards overcoming chronic stress, mere exchanges deepen a sense of hope.
Climbing stairs and navigating stress are multi-dimensional practices. When you step off the last step on to the landing of the intended destination, there’s also a mental acknowledgment linked to a natural sense you’ve arrived. There’s been more stressors you’ve overcome than staircases you’ve climbed. Put to practice your cognitive flexility muscles and you’ll get to the landing of your intention.
Self-rate on a 1 (not at all) to 10 (completely) scale for further exploration
I view stress as an opportunity to mature.
Stress has no impact on the quality of my deepest relationships (i.e. spouse, child, parent, etc.).
My relationships with friends have interdependent qualities (i.e. shared responsibilities, respectful boundaries, graceful honesty).
