Stress. Nobody seems to like it. Even the word “stress” seems stressful. But did you ever think that a certain level of stress can actually be good for you. It’s true.
This type of good stress is what psychologists call "eustress," and it keeps us vital and excited about life. According to verywellmind.com, examples of eustress include the “excitement of a roller-coaster ride, a scary movie, or a fun challenge.” Other instances include the anticipation of a first date or the initial day at a new job. Many other triggers like this create good stress, too. They keep us feeling alive and enthusiastic.
We also deal with something called acute stress, which arises from surprises that need immediate responses. These triggers aren't always happy and exciting, but they can (and should) be dealt with immediately so we can then find ways to relax again. Or at least that’s what the experts say.
I have long believed that a little stress is good. The butterflies in the stomach before a public speech, the awkwardness of meeting new people, or a competition of any sort all bring about a stress that makes us better — but there is a breaking point.
Al Deleon, the longtime Britt High School wrestling coach who passed away in 2020, often said: “A little bit of everything is good. Too much of one thing is bad.” That is true about most anything in life, but it is especially true about stress.
During the holidays, most of us feel extra stress. Some of it is the good stress that I mentioned previously, but much is just plain awful. Too much food. Too much family. Too much festivity. All of it crammed into too short of a period of time.
Well, this year I am going to do something about it. I am not going to stress about the stress of the holidays. I am going to accept it. Head on. In fact, I am going to issue a challenge to this thing called stress. Try to take this smile off my face. I dare you.
I am taking the time to hand-write Christmas cards. I am going to get my shopping done prior to Dec. 24. I am going to spin some Sinatra Christmas albums. I am going to watch “Frosty the Snowman” on TV multiple times. And I am going to drink a lot of eggnog.
But I better hurry up. There are only 17 days till Christmas! Good stress. Good stress.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
