Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, and every one of us faces challenges that test our resilience and strength. But what if I told you that each stressor you encounter could be the key to unlocking your superpowers? Yes, you read that right. The very things that cause us stress and anxiety can be the catalysts for profound personal growth and self-discovery.
Now, some stressors like trauma can overwhelm our system and take us on a different path for a time. We will explore those situations in another blog opportunity. For now, let’s focus on the stress that's like a butterfly making its way out of a cocoon, hard to do, uncomfortable, tiring, but necessary to move forward. Make sense?
The Power of Perspective (You are at the Controls)
Stress is often viewed negatively, but it's crucial to understand that stress itself isn't inherently bad. It's our perception and reaction to stress that determines its impact on our mental wellbeing. By shifting our perspective, we can transform stress from a debilitating force into a powerful motivator. This may take a bit of work to be emotionally and physically regulated to shift that perspective (hard to think differently when you are in fight/flight). More on that below when we describe the Stack.
Embrace the Challenge (Or the Suck)
Every stressor is an opportunity in disguise. When we face a challenge, we tap into our inner resources, discovering strengths and capabilities we never knew we had. This process of overcoming obstacles builds resilience, a critical component of mental wellbeing. Resilience is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. This can be challenging when in the middle of doing hard things, but it does get easier the more you practice.
The Growth Mindset (Your Hero’s Journey)
Adopting a growth mindset is key to transforming stress into a superpower. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through experience and effort. Recognize that this is your hero’s journey—where you get knocked down and rise in your own way. When faced with a stressor, instead of thinking, "I can't handle this," try asking yourself, "What can I learn from this experience?" and "What is this trying to teach me?" This shift in thinking opens the door to your own growth and self-evolution. It's easier to do when you're regulated and not in fight-or-flight mode.
Stacking, Your Self-Care Secret Weapon
While stress can be a powerful catalyst for growth, it's essential to balance it with building your stack: Body, Nervous System, Emotional/Behavioural and Social health.
Self-care isn't just about pampering yourself; it's about taking proactive steps to maintain your mental and physical health. I believe the Stack can help, especially the work on the nervous system. A regulated nervous system can enhance your superpowers.
My husband says, ‘I can see through walls’ now that I am Stacking. (For more information on Stacking, check out this valuable blog post.)
Also, here are some practical superpower enhancing tips to help you navigate these times of discomfort or stress:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Superpower enhancer, practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay grounded and focused. These practices teach you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, reducing the impact of stress. Helps you listen to your body (which already knows your superpower) and slow things down.
2. Physical Activity: Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or hitting the gym, find a physical activity you enjoy. Movement can also create a break in actions or thinking to help shift that perspective. Play around with your breath, count for 4 in 4 out, then 5 in 5 out. Feel the air nourish as it goes in, think about it as fuel for your superpower.
3. Healthy Eating: Nourishing your body with healthy foods can have a positive impact on your mood and energy levels. This is fuel, choose wisely, avoid kryptonite like excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate our stress response in a non-superpower way.
4. Connect with Others: Social support is crucial for mental wellbeing. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional when you're feeling overwhelmed. Talking about your feelings can provide relief and perspective. Choose these connections as more fuel and support. Does this person/group of people make me smile or laugh or relax. Do they fuel me or support my Stack?
5. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize your time, energy and emotions. This can be done in a chill and respectful way. Practice saying ‘no’ on your own. I do this as I walk, I practice putting my hand out like a stop sign and think of things I want to say no to or have less of in my life (I also do the reverse, pulling in what I want more of and love in my life). Practicing setting boundaries protects you from overcommitting and helps you focus on what's truly important.
Discovering Your Superpower
When you embrace discomfort and stress as an opportunity for growth and practical self-care, you unlock your superpower—resilience (that you can do hard things). This superpower allows you to navigate life's challenges with grace and strength. It empowers you to transform obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones and wonderful moments.
Remember, you are one stressor away from discovering just how strong, capable, and resilient you truly are. Embrace the journey, practice Stacking (self-care), and watch as you unlock your superpowers.
Glad you were here.
Xo
Sherry