Stress is something we all face and experts have even defined good stress (also called “eustress”) and bad stress (“distress”). Eustress can lead to improvements in health and functioning (e.g., moderately intense exercise, setting firm goals for oneself, etc.) but distress can have a negative impact, sometimes significant, on health and wellbeing.
Causes of distress can include difficulties at work or with family, and medical or financial problems. As solutions to issues become more complicated and time-consuming, the ill effects of the distress itself can make it harder to have the mental and physical energy to meet the challenges. In situations like this, some inward-facing, basic wellness strategies can improve our own functioning and capacity, no matter how complicated the outward problems.
These may sound familiar, even boring, but science has repeatedly borne out their vital importance. We all need to consider how we sleep, eat, move, and interact with others. Over the next few weeks, we will discuss simple strategies in each of these areas which can help combat the ill effects of “distress”.
General wellness information is available at the LBNL Healthy & Well website including a “Self Care in Time of Change” webpage. Information about various forms of counselling and other mental health resources can be found on the LBNL Employee Assistance website. Many services are available at no charge to LBNL employees.
