I’d Like a Shot of…Stress?!

In this blog I’ve talked a lot about ways to reduce and manage stress. Well, I’ve learned about another way to think about stress that can also be helpful— “stress inoculation.”  Just like getting exposed to a small amount of a virus in a vaccine can protect you from catching the virus later and getting really sick, being exposed to small amounts of stress can inoculate you from the most negative harms of stress when a big stressor comes. 

A shot of stress can be good for you!

Practicing how to handle stress can make you better at managing stress. In fact, repeated exposure to time-limited stressful situations that push you out of your comfort zone can actually change your body’s biological response to stress. Your stress hormones become less responsive, allowing you to better handle stress when it comes.

Stages of Stress Inoculation

There are three stages to stress inoculation, according to this article by Tara Parker-Pope.

1. Education: If you are going to be facing a stressful situation in the future—say a big meeting about a loan at the FSA office—learn what to expect. Talk with other people who have gone through those meetings, read about the loan process, get yourself ready so that you’ll be prepared when the meeting happens and not be blind-sided.
2. Rehearsal:  Practice the skill you’ll need in the stressful situation—even if it is just going over it in your mind. Know the points you want to make when talking to the loan officer, for example, and picture yourself saying them. Athletes do this, picturing themselves performing perfectly before the big game even starts. Feel the stress, and keep practicing.
3. Implementation:When the actualstressful event happens and you walk into the loan office, you are ready. You know what to expect, you know what to do, and you can manage the stressful situation.

These ideas are particularly good for preparing you for a specific stressful event, rather than chronic stressors that happen over long periods of time.

So, if you’re going to be facing a stressful event soon, try getting a shot of stress ahead of time. Get yourself ready and keep your stress response under control through stress inoculation. It’ll help keep you thriving during those tough situations.