To Stress Or Not To Stress

Ever notice how you can be cruising along with life, feeling calm, then suddenly get an itch for that next challenge? In this episode, I explore why we crave stress and how it can become part of our daily routine. I share some personal reflections and stories about how we often seek stress even when we say we want to avoid it.

You’ll hear why we sometimes look for chaos and how it can motivate us, but also when it starts to weigh us down. By recognising these patterns, we can decide if that stress is helping us move forward or just distracting us from what we actually want in life.

Why We Chase Stress

It sounds odd to say we actively chase stress, but it happens more often than we realise. Maybe you work better under pressure, or perhaps you’ve discovered that a little self-imposed panic can fire up your brain. Either way, stress appears in our conversations about productivity, relationships and even relaxation.

During the episode, I share how habits formed in childhood can turn into adult coping mechanisms. Sometimes we keep ourselves busy on purpose, or we sign up for new responsibilities without a second thought. It’s not always bad, but it’s worth noticing that we do it.

“Our brains are so used to stress that if we don’t find it, we sometimes create it.”

The Upside of a Little Pressure

It’s not all gloom and doom. Stress can be positive when used smartly. If you’re preparing for an exam or diving into a creative project, a bit of stress can give you that push to focus and persevere. It can strengthen your problem-solving skills and make you more resilient.

However, balance is key. It’s easy to get addicted to that feeling, so you end up burning both ends of the candle. If your mind starts craving constant stress, it might be time to pause and reflect.

Recognising Patterns

Take a step back and look at your day. Are you filling every moment with tasks that spark a sense of urgency? Maybe you leave assignments till the very last minute—then pat yourself on the back for finishing just in time. Or you pick fights over small things for a bit of drama you can conquer.

These habits often sneak up on us. Here are a few ways we chase stress without even realising it:

• Overcommitting to deadlines and projects.
• Being a “yes” person, even when your schedule is full.
• Procrastinating until events become emergencies.
• Seeking excitement in random arguments or trivial challenges.

Once you spot these patterns, you can choose to create space instead of chaos.

How to Manage the Stress Habit

So, how do you work with this craving for pressure in a healthier way? One idea is to set boundaries for yourself. If you notice you’re taking on too much, pause and ask if it’s truly necessary. Another technique is to replace toxic stress with structured challenges that have clear goals but aren’t overwhelming.

Mindfulness can also help. Think about why you’re seeking that stress. Is there a reward at the end? Or are you just on autopilot, repeating an old pattern? Understanding your motivation can make a big difference in how you handle life’s ups and downs.

Key Takeaways

• A little stress can be a useful motivator.
• When stress becomes a habit, it might be time to slow down.
• We often seek stress automatically, so awareness is crucial.
• Balancing necessary challenges with healthy downtime is the key.

Want to hear more about how we chase stress and what happens when we do? Be sure to check out the full conversation. The podcast’s player is at the top of this page—click play whenever you’re ready to dive in!