Stress can be very helpfull in solving problems, but too much of it (or out of control stress) can shut you down.
Sometimes a stressful situation can be a distractionifyou allow it to be but I also see it as a tool for growth. If I am in a stressul situation, I do become motivated to work through it and find an appropriate solution.
Stress is the negative whirlwind of emotions that gets imposed on top of our stimulation and engagement. It leads to poorer decision-making, reduced creativity, mental exhaustion, and physical burnout (and eventually to disease). In other words, stress motivates us in a number of harmful ways.
Without the stress, we have more energy to get things done and more fun doing it. We need stimulation and engagement. We all enjoy pushing ourselves to accomplish our objectives. But we don't need stress to get there.
A good way to relieve stress is to take a break from the situations that are the source of stress and frustration, so in other words, distract yourself from all the stresses in your life. It also gives you an opportunity to think about the situation more objectively and may even help you to resolve the situation when looked through a different perspective.
Therefore in my opinion, stress is neither a motivator nor a distraction. Stress motivates you a negative way, and to get rid of your stresses you need to be distracted, not use it or have it be a distraction.
Stress can be a motivator. On the job I perform better under stressful situations. It is a motivator to get the job done and done well. How it can be a distracter is last minute deadlines of projects that you should have a few days to finish.
I feel that it is both. sometimes i have to have a little stress to motivate me to get things done so that the don't pile up. I also feel that if I stress about the things that can't get done then it is a distraction for me and takes a tull on my health.
I find it to be both also.But in order for me to turn the stressful assignment or task into a motivator, I have to step away from the hustle and bustle of my work area and find a quiet place to mull over the stressful task. It is only than that I can organize an action plan and implement steps to tackle the issue.
Forme stress is a nencourager. I work so much better under presssure and stress. If I have a stress free job or a much easier shedule I would not know what to do. I think as long as stress can be kept managable, I will try to be best productive with stress.
Jeri-Lyn,
You make a very good point. Stress can be positive or negative. Positive stress is when you are motivated and you can see the rewards at the end of the tunnel. Negative stress is from trauma, emotional breakdown, personal problems, or a loss that personally affects you. In the negative side we must be prepared to use good stess techniques to combat the negative effects on you.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I believe that it truly does depend on what kind of stress, and how much stress you are under. I know that I work better when I am consistently busy- some may feel that could be stressful. However, if you keep a list of things to accomplish..and manage your time...it usually will work as a motivator.
Charlotte,
Positive stress leads to motivation to for rewards and accomplishment. Negative stress comes from trauma and emotional stress. This kind of motivation or stress is usually caused by depression for the feeling of failure. Using your stress techniques you can overcome negative stress and survive for the next challenge.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Stress is both a motivator and a distractor. Stress is what motivates us to finish a task, study for a test, write a paper, meet an obligation, etc. To a certain extent, stress helps us acheive. After a while, however, stress is a distractor. If I am worried about something, I am less able to focus on the necessary task at hand.
Stephen,
This is the time to recognize negative stress and positive. Positive stress is used in motivation by realizing the value of the motivation with a light at the end of the tunnel. Negative stress is equal to trauma, emotion and psychologic depression. The good thing is the best practices for contending with stress works in both cases.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Stress can be debiltating to the point where motivation becomes a non issue.
Richard,
Good point! There is stress that can be considered positive. This stress is when we are motivated to
accomplish something that is good and for the betterment of the operations. Bad stress comes from trauma, emotional depression and health issues. This is why it is good to keep up with your balanced life of practices to cope with negative stress.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Both. Good stress gets you motivated while dis-stress decreases your ability to ccope.
Laura,
Positive talk is an important technique to use for stress and keep marching.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I would definately say it is up to the indivdual to me the stress is my motivator and it helps me keep my hand on the pulse. I work in the Admissions department so I have to drive my team and motivate them so stress will not be a distraction to them. Having a positive attitude everyday and enjoying what you do for a living will help tremdously.
Alise,
Positive stress is when we realize the benefit of accomplishment. Negative stress is when the outcome is not rewarding but seems to be punishing. When we,face e,optional trauma or loss we,need our faith to kick in for better consolation.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I know I don't always realize when the undercurrent of stress now becomes the tidal wave of stress. I believe stress that excites one to a certain point...that majorly productive point, is a great thing as it helps us stay focused on the task. When it's just stress to the point of "if one more thing is on my plate I'm going to lose it", then it's too late. I appreciate some of the suggestions to help stress stay in the productive range and the things I can do to keep my level down (realized or unrealized stress levels).
James,
There is positive stress and negative. Negative relates more to trauma and emotional stress. Positive stress is related to motivation to succeed and when accomplished a reward personally.
Dr. Gary Carlson
