Stress is an interesting phenomenon. We often associate the word stress with so-called bad stress, otherwise known as distress. However, a multitude of positive events can also create a feeling of being stressed. This type of stress is called eustress and is often sought after.
That tells us something about how the way we perceive an event has an effect on how that event impacts our lives. For example, I have had quite a lot of distress in my life of late, and the cumulative effect has been a sort of brain fog. I've been suffering from short attention span while doing activities that I normally find highly engaging. Honestly, this has worried me (increasing the stress) and I have spent a fair bit of time thinking about whether my interests had changed or if it really was a side effect of the stress load I have been under for quite some time now.
Tonight I sat at my spinning wheel and found myself enjoying spinning long after the TV show I have been watching as spinning distraction was over. It felt peaceful and productive in a way that has been missing for a while now. I realised that the result of some recent changes has drastically lowered my distress level and the brain fog had lifted a little.
I feel grateful, both to have some relief from the unrelenting stress and for the clarity to notice the difference. Perhaps there will be a little more room to breathe.