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Reframing Stress

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. PSALM 66:10 BSB

What if I told you that not all stress is bad and not all pressure is bad? A positive type of stress that challenges us to grow is called eustress. Eustress is just enough pressure to motivate us to act beyond our comfort zones, leading to positive growth that benefits us.

While a deadline, goal, test, or new undertaking may feel uncomfortable, it can also be a necessary type of pressure because, without it, we may become idle, apathetic, unmotivated, and unfulfilled. It goes to say that if we’re not being challenged in some aspect of our lives, then we’re probably not growing.

The difference between chronic stress and eustress is that chronic stress depletes our overall well-being and can have lasting negative effects. In contrast, eustress motivates us to expand beyond ourselves and can be exciting once accomplished. It brings us to life.

While some levels of pressure might initially feel uncomfortable, remember that discomfort isn’t always bad. So let’s reframe this today. Are there any challenges in your life that seem like stressors but might actually be eustress and beneficial for you in the end?

AFFIRMATION:

I embrace challenges as opportunities to help me grow into my potential.