Practical Steps to Turn Stress into a Positive Force

Is all stress bad? Or could it actually be good for you?

We all face stress—it’s a part of life. Our bodies are wired to react to challenges as a way of protecting us. But here’s the good news: when managed well, stress isn’t just something to get through—it’s a tool we can use to grow.

A moderate level of stress keeps us focused, alert, and ready to take on challenges. It can drive us to perform at our best. It’s when stress sticks around for too long, that we enter the danger zone—burnout. And nobody wants that!

So, how do we harness stress for good and keep burnout at bay?

In their book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski share a simple but powerful idea: to avoid burnout, we need to help our bodies complete the “stress cycle.” 

They explain that managing stress isn’t just about getting through the stressful event—it’s about how our bodies process and release that stress. To do this effectively, we can engage in specific activities that signal to our bodies that the challenge has passed and it’s safe to relax.

The Nagoski sisters identify seven evidence-based strategies to help you complete your stress cycle effectively telling your body, “You’re safe, it’s okay to calm down now.” Check out the image below for the details.

Experiment with these strategies and find what works best for you. Maybe you have your own go-to methods for getting back to your “safe” zone.

Take charge of your Monday. 

Think

Take a moment today to reflect on how stress shows up in your life. Is it mostly positive, pushing you to grow, or is it edging toward burnout?

Feel

Encouraged to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d give to your best mate—because you deserve it.

Do

 Choose one of the stress cycle strategies—whether it’s going for a walk, laughing with a friend, or taking deep breaths—and practice it the next time you feel stressed.

Image: Based on the work of Emily and Amelia Nagoski, authors of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.