Mentor Note:
“Stress isn’t what happens to us. It’s our response to what happens. And response is something we can choose." - Maureen Killoran
Lets Dive in...
Hello Reader,
Just letting you know this is my last week of mentor notes.......
Ha! Just kidding. Happy April Fool’s Day!
Wow, I can’t believe it’s April already.
Last week, I was down for days, sick on the couch, binge-watching The Real Housewives. What. A. Show. I mean, do I really need that much drama and toxicity in my life? 🤣 It was intense.
And if that wasn’t enough, there was a nit outbreak at home. My girls have the longest, thickest hair, so you can imagine the horror. Let’s just say stress was definitely in the house.
But something interesting happened…
I was chatting with a friend about stress, and it reminded me of a huge ‘aha’ moment from my neuroscience studies. It completely shifted the way I see stress, and I want to share it with you today.
Did you know that there are 2 types of stress?
Well there is, and 1 can actually be good for you.
We always hear that stress is bad, but that’s only half the story.
Not all stress is created equal.
Stress Number 1. Eustress (The Good Stress)
This is the kind of stress that fuels you. Think about the excitement before a performance, the push of a deadline, or the butterflies before stepping into a big opportunity. I don't think I did any performance without this type of stress. 😂
The positive stress helps you:
- Stay focused and motivated
- Increases creativity and problem-solving
- Can sharpen your mind under pressure
Stress Number 2. Distress (The Bad Stress)
This is the stress that overwhelms and paralyses you. It’s the kind that leads to burnout, self-doubt, and avoidance.
The negative stress does the opposite:
- Clouds creativity
- Drains energy
- Triggers procrastination and fear
The Neuroscience of Stress
Here’s where it gets really interesting…
Stress activates the amygdala, the part of your brain that processes fear and emotions. Too much stress? Your brain freezes, panics, or spirals.
But moderate stress? It wakes up your prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving.)
That’s why a little bit of pressure can actually help you perform at your best.
The trick isn’t to eliminate stress… it’s to use the right kind of stress to fuel you and manage the kind that drains you.
The Takeaway
Stress isn’t the enemy, it’s how we interact with it that matters.
Creatives can learn to work with stress rather than against it by reframing pressure as a challenge rather than a threat.
By managing the negative stress and embracing the positive stress, you can transform anxiety into action and resistance into resilience.
Something to Try
How to Shift Stress from a Block to a Boost
- Reframe Your Mindset: Instead of “I’m so stressed,” try “I’m energised for this challenge.”
- Release Stress Ritual: Stretching, deep breaths, or journaling before work can help transition from distress to eustress.
- Use Timed Pressure Wisely: Short bursts of focused work with breaks in between prevent burnout while keeping you motivated.
- But more importantly, take a moment to do a stress audit. If there are areas in your life that you can’t control but are causing distress, it’s time to step back, evaluate, and find ways to manage them thoughtfully. Slow, intentional shifts can eliminate unnecessary stress and create more space for creativity to thrive.
This week, remember that stress isn’t the villain. It’s how you use it that counts. Lean into the kind of stress that fuels you and turn it into creative momentum. Learn to manage the kind that drains you, and you’ll unlock more clarity, energy, and joy in your work.
✨✨And here’s something to reflect on, what’s your personal story of stress? Has it been a constant weight, an excuse, or even a way to connect with others? Maybe it’s time to rewrite that story. Be mindful of the language you use; rushing, perfectionism, or sharing stress as a badge of honour can reinforce the cycle. But when you change your perspective on stress, you change your response… and that changes everything.
I love hearing from you, I hope this weeks note brings you a little positivity and peace in your daily life.
Until next week,
Much love,
Sally xx
Ps. The blog is nearly here, I had a few setback but it's looking great and isn't too far away now.
Little Reminders:
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dehydration increases the stress responses in the body, affecting energy and mental clarity.
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Read The Stress Signs
Stress is a signal, not a stop sign. It’s just a message telling you to shift or adjust.
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Set Boundaries
Set stress boundaries and give yourself work hours, creative playtime, and proper rest to avoid burnout.
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