As we head into Stress Awareness Month, I want to offer a more nuanced and empowering perspective than the usual “stress is bad for you” narrative.
That message – while well-meaning – is not only oversimplified, it’s costing people real growth. It causes us to fear stress, avoid challenges, and miss out on the very opportunities that could transform our lives.
The word “stress” has become synonymous with distress. But stress in itself isn’t inherently bad. The widespread belief that “stress harms health and performance” stems from decades of research into its negative effects – but that’s only part of the story.
The other side? Research also shows that stress can lead to:
Avoiding stress altogether is not the answer. In fact, it’s often through stress that we encounter the most meaningful moments of our lives.
Think back: how many opportunities have you walked away from simply because they felt “too stressful”?
Many of these moments – whilst uncomfortable – could have been transformative.
When I reflect on my own experiences, I think of my trip to Zimbabwe as a medical student, conducting maternal health research funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It was terrifying at times – but it remains one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.
I think of another expedition to Central and South America with the Floating Doctors, climbing mountains and sleeping in hammocks as we served indigenous communities. Or the pressure of delivering a keynote for the Royal Vascular Society last year. Stressful? Absolutely. But they were also deeply rewarding and fulfilling.
The impact of stress depends on:
Too much stress for too long leads to burnout. But the solution isn’t to eliminate all stress. That’s neither possible nor productive.
What matters more is your stress mindset – how you perceive and respond to stress. Research shows that this mindset shapes everything: from your body’s physiological response to your ultimate performance and wellbeing.
I’ve never liked the phrase “stress management.” It sounds like something to minimise or endure.
Instead, I teach stress optimisation – strategies to help you navigate stress so you can achieve the goals that matter most to you.
This approach starts by shifting your belief from “stress is bad” to “stress can potentially be good for me”
Stress, when optimised, doesn’t shrink your life.
It expands it. It unlocks potential. It gives you access to courage, resilience, and transformation.
So let’s stop being stressed about being stressed – and start learning how to use it to our advantage.
Would you like help shifting your relationship with stress and finding smarter systems to thrive? Book a free call here and let’s talk.