As part of ‘Stress Awareness Month’, last week, we explored the overflowing stress bucket, a metaphor for the stress we carry around with us, and our ability to deal with it.

This week, we’re going to ditch the bucket and explore the stress sweet spot – that optimal zone where pressure fuels productivity without tipping into overwhelm. In other words, getting the balance right between a healthy amount of stress, motivating and energising, and too much stress, which can be harmful. I like to think we have three zones for our stress levels.

The Challenge Zone: Your sweet spot, where stress becomes a motivator, sharpening your focus and driving you to achieve. You might feel a healthy dose of excitement and anticipation – think of pre-race jitters that propel athletes forward.

The Apathy Zone: Under-arousal happens when stress is too low. Boredom sets in, productivity slumps.

The Danger Zone: The overflowing bucket – overwhelm, anxiety, and exhaustion reign supreme.

So how can you recognise these zones? Pay attention to your own body language. In the challenge zone, you might have a slight increase in heart rate or feel energised.

Apathy might manifest as sluggishness or difficulty concentrating. Danger zone symptoms include headaches, muscle tension, and irritability.

Ask yourself how you feel about upcoming tasks. Challenge zone tasks feel exciting or important. Apathy breeds indifference, while danger zone tasks feel overwhelming.

If you read my column regularly you are probably familiar with some of the things I recommend to help combat too much stress, I am a great believer in mindfulness, or ‘getting in the moment’. But sometimes it is good to think outside of the box, so here are a few unconventional ways to manage stress and find your sweet spot.

Challenge yourself with play, think escape rooms, improv classes or even a board game night. Playful challenges push your boundaries in a supportive environment, boosting your resilience.

Immerse yourself in nature, simply sit under a tree. Studies show nature exposure lowers stress hormones and improves focus.

Channel your stress into creative expression. Write, paint, sculpt, or even learn a new musical instrument. Volunteer your time or skills to a cause. Helping others can give us a sense of purpose and reduces self-absorption, both major stress relievers.

Remember, stress isn’t your enemy. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, pay attention!” Your sweet spot is unique to you. Experiment and find what works best to keep your stress wave manageable and propel you forward, not drown you.

Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities. Email wellbeing@martinfurber.com