From the cradle to the grave, life hands us stressful situations — so much so that we should consider stress to be an integral part of living a full life, rather than a nuisance to be avoided at all costs. Rather than ignoring stress, it can be healthier and even more productive to harness the energy that such trials create and direct it towards a more successful outcome.
Science backs this up: stress stimulates the brain to secrete ‘noradrenaline’, a chemical that improves neural connectivity, perhaps explaining why some of us perform so much better immediately before deadlines or in exams. It’s a difficult balance, though, and psychology also plays an important part. ‘Owning’ your stress – and the superpowers that come with it – requires a positive, proactive mindset. When a stressful situation arises, it’s vital to take control: to understand, plan and prioritize, and to direct that energy towards productivity rather than panic.