What If Stress Didn't Exist

Remember that stress doesn't come from what's going on in your life. It comes from your thoughts about what's going on in your life.
- Andrew J. Bernstein

A few days ago when I was drinking my morning coffee I started to philosophize about stress and what it means to my life. 

I am usually very good at handling stress and most times I believe I got my day covered, mostly because I have created great habits which include exercise, meditation, healty diet, friends, relationships, just enough quality sleep etc. 

BUT, the last days I saw myself doing all the same mistakes that I help other people discover and change. I was rushing to finish every task. I did five tasks at one time and finished none. I didn't plan my days. Basically I did all the beginners mistakes you can do when it comes to stress and being unproductive.

Do you recognize yourself?

So I was thinking what if the word stress didn't even exist. How would life look like then?

Would I get more or less done? Would the quality of my work be better or worse?

Let me tell you what I discovered and what the research in the area says.

Resarch shows that too little stress can lead to boredom and depression but to much stress can cause anxiety and poor health. When you find the right amount of stress it tunes up the brain and improves your performance and health.

The last few days instead of stressing I decided to plan my days and work focused with one task at a time. Instead of worrying about five things I started with only one thing at a time.

The results were astonishingly good:

• I got more work done
• It was of higher quality
• ​And I enjoyed the process more​

Five things you can do to stress less

1. Start the day with exercise.
2. Plan your day - and do the toughest tasks first.
3. Put just enough pressure on yourself to feel motivated instead of overwhelmed (this is different for everybody and you have to find what works for you).
4. Take small breaks (about 5 min) every hours. (Don't go on your phone, instead talk with your colleagues, friends and try to move your body).
5. Enjoy the process. You have to realize that you will never be done with life. This might sound dramatic but even when you die you will still have things that are undone. Don't worry so much and try to enjoy the short time you have on this planet.