Stress REsilience

By Annie Banks

What does it mean to be stress resilient? Does it mean you never have a bad day? Does it mean you don’t have feelings? Does it mean you only “think positive” and deny anything else? No, it does not mean any of those things.

Stress is an inherent part of being human. In fact a life with no “stress” is arguably extremely detrimental to the body and psyche. Gravity is a stress. Exercise is a stress. Learning is a stress. Stress, navigated properly leads to growth. And growth = life. If you aren’t growing, you are essentially not living. In fact we could substitute “stress” for “stimuli”, and have a more clear understanding of the word.

Most of us, have an unconscious relationship with stress. And we can and do become addicted to our responses. Habitual thinking and behavior, is one way our brain tries to feel in control. Even, when the result of those thoughts and behaviors is detrimental. Even when we are not happy.

Stress resilience is really about becoming conscious of our conditioned response patterns. And choosing, a better relationship with the “stimuli”. A relationship that leads us toward growth.

How do we do that? I’m glad you asked… I’m going be focusing on stress resilience in these coming weeks. So stay tuned!

Annie