Stress Isn’t the Enemy—You’re Just Using It Wrong

This article has been researched and written by Arelang Naturals^® in-house writers.

We’ve all heard it before—"Stress is bad for you." It’s written in every self-help book, preached by wellness gurus, and even your well meaning friends will call you over chai and tell you how to "stay stress-free". But is stress really the villain it’s made out to be? Not quite. A little bit of stress, at the right time and in the right dose, can actually help you. Let’s break this down in a way that makes sense.

Why We Actually Need Stress

Think of stress like Mumbai traffic. A little bit of it keeps things moving. You need a sense of urgency to catch your local train on time, to meet deadlines, or to ace that big presentation. Your heart rate increases, your senses sharpen, and your body releases a burst of energy. What’s happening? You’re experiencing acute stress—and it's the reason you can perform at your best during that crucial moment. This “fight or flight” response can be a life-saver in moments of danger, or when you need to focus and perform under pressure.This short-term stress, or acute stress, gives you a burst of energy, sharpens your focus, and helps you power through challenges. Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol—just enough to keep you alert and efficient.

It’s the reason you can miraculously finish a week’s worth of work in one day when the deadline looms or why you suddenly become an F1-level driver when rushing to the airport. This kind of stress is not only normal but actually helpful.

When Stress Becomes a Problem

Now, imagine being stuck in peak-hour traffic for hours every single day, horns blaring in your ears, the same rickshaw cutting you off and the zepto riders trying to find just one inch of space between your car and the other to get through, and the continued triggers of frustration building up. That’s chronic stress—the kind that stays with you long after it’s needed. Instead of helping, it drains you. Your body keeps pumping out stress hormones, leaving you exhausted, anxious, and completely burned out.

Chronic stress happens when the body's stress response stays activated for too long. Unlike the brief burst of energy you get during acute stress, chronic stress keeps your body in a constant state of heightened alertness. Chronic stress does more than just make you irritable—it messes with your sleep, digestion, and immune system. It increases your risk of heart disease, spikes blood sugar levels, and can even mess with your memory (like forgetting where you kept your keys when they were literally in your hand).

How to Manage Stress Without Overthinking It

Stress doesn’t have to be an enemy, it’s all about how well you are able to manage it. Stress needs its moments to shine, but it also needs balance. When you learn to embrace stress and understand WHEN it’s working for you and when it’s not, you will be able to unlock its true potential.

1. Stress can be a Motivator: That little burst of energy you feel when deadlines are approaching? That’s your body’s way of saying, “You got this!” Stress can help you push through tough situations, stay focused, and accomplish your goals.
2. Stress is a Signal: Stress is also a communication tool your body uses to tell you that something is wrong or needs attention. Instead of ignoring or resenting it, listen to what it’s trying to tell you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be a sign to take a break, adjust your workload, or reevaluate your priorities.
3. Stress can be made into a Catalyst for Growth: Just like weight training makes your muscles stronger by putting them under stress, certain stresses can help you grow mentally and emotionally. When you overcome challenging situations, you build resilience. It's like the mental version of a gym session!

Now that you have understood that the secret to stress is in the balance—the sweet spot where stress serves you, rather than hurting you. Here’s how you can manage stress to stay on the hero side of the equation:

• Listen to Your Body: Stress is like that annoying coworker who keeps hinting at a problem—ignore it for too long, and it blows up. If you’re constantly feeling exhausted or irritable, it’s time to pause and reassess.
• Move Your Body: Exercise is a natural stress-buster. Whether it’s a long walk, a quick jog, or just dancing in your room to a 90s Bollywood mash up —just get moving.
• Eat & Sleep Well: Skipping meals and running on caffeine may feel productive, but it’s only adding to your stress levels. Balanced meals and enough sleep can work wonders.

• Take Mini Breaks: Even a five-minute breather between calls, a short tea break, or just staring out the window (instead of at your screen) can help reset your brain.
  
• Indulge Smartly: When stress hits, the craving for comfort food is real. Instead of reaching for sugar-loaded snacks, opt for a stress-friendly alternative like Restore Your Peace apricot-centered, sugar-free dark chocolate dragees. They come packed with plant-based ingredients to help your body naturally handle stress—without the sugar crash. Plus they are sooo delicious and fun to eat! Almost the new age version of a stress ball!

Final Takeaway: Stress is Not the Enemy, But It Needs Boundaries

Stress isn’t the problem—too much of it is. It’s like spice in your food—just the right amount enhances the flavor, but too much ruins the dish, your mouth and the morning after. Instead of fighting stress or fearing it, learn to manage it, set boundaries, and listen to what your body is telling you.

So, the next time someone tells you to “just relax” when you’re clearly drowning in work, remind them that stress, in the right measure, is what gets things done. The trick is knowing when to hit the brakes and when to let it fuel your drive.