Use Stress To Help Good Energy Grow

Daily tension builds up. Learn how to convert fretful, uneasy feelings into positive power that does your body good.

- Mirel Ketchiff

A whopping 80 percent of people say they’ve recently experienced a physical or emotional symptom of stress like headaches or feeling overwhelmed or depressed, the American Psychological Association reports. And no wonder: “More than ever before, we are being bombarded by negative messages on the news, on our social media feeds, even in conversations with friends,” says Michelle Gielan, the founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and the author of Broadcasting Happiness.

This onslaught of negativity creates a sense of helplessness, says Julie K. Norem, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Wellesley College. “We feel we're at the mercy of outside forces and up against problems that are so big, we can’t envision a solution,” she says The heightened anxiety makes us revert to fight-or-fight mode. “We may lash out at others or we try to run away figuratively or literally Norem says, and being in that state constantly can the body and mind.

But there are options Experts say that if you think of that fear and worry as raw energy, you can learn to redirect it toward a more positive, productive use. These solutions will help you do just that so you feel happier, calmer, and more motivated.

Take a workout “vitamin”