02/18/2026
A BIT ABOUT STRESS
Stress is, at best, irritating. At its worst, it can provoke regrettable remarks, outbursts of frustration, or even unchecked rage. Stressors are everywhere — family, work, finances, car trouble, traffic. Stress is inevitable. But is it always harmful?
We often cope with daily stressors impulsively, reacting without considering the consequences. That impulsivity can magnify a small irritation into a serious conflict. But does it have to?
In fact, when managed well, stress can fuel energy, growth, and even transformation. This transformation comes from our Raw Coping Power — the natural ability to face challenges and turn them into positive, powerful tools.
There are three stages of Raw Coping Power, known as the Positive Coping Cycle:
1. COPING: Adapting to the immediate situation.
A supervisor or co-worker says something insensitive. It gets under your skin. You can fire back and risk escalation, or you can pause, ask yourself, “Is this the hill I want to die on?” and choose not to react impulsively. That moment of self-control builds resilience.
2. RESILIENCE: Developing a response mechanism that diffuses challenges.
Think of an archer. The tension on the bowstring is the stressor and the stress is what launches the arrow. Without aim, you miss. With focus, you hit your target. In the same way, daily stressors, when handled well, propel us forward.
As William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
Or, in Elizabeth Edwards’ words: “She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.”
Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress — it’s about choosing how we respond. To be resilient is to bounce back and learn.
3. THRIVING: Energy, vitality, joy. Joy in what you do and what you accomplish
The National Wellness Institute identifies six dimensions of wellness:
• Emotional
• Occupational
• Physical
• Social
• Intellectual
• Spiritual
Each domain offers the chance not just to cope, but to thrive.
Programs like the Online Wellness Alliance’s Team Awareness and its two modules, Resilience To Thriving and The Ripple Effect emphasize the Positive Coping Cycle. Each is designed to build trust, respect, communication, and shared values in the workplace. They teach that when we engage with stress and learn from it, we improve our resilience to overwhelming circumstances and, over time, grow into our best selves.
Of course, there’s also the Negative Coping Cycle; reacting immediately, venting tension through overwork, substance misuse, and/or conflict. These remedies may feel good in the moment, but over time they drain us and can affect the performance of the entire team.
Resilience and Thriving and The Ripple Effect provide tools to identify your coping style, your strengths, and goals for positive outcomes. This isn’t just theory; it’s practice. And like any practice goals are met and achievement is realized one step at a time.
The takeaway: Stress isn’t the enemy. It’s the raw material for growth. When you pause, evaluate, and choose healthy responses, you build resilience. When you balance your habits with your values, you thrive. And when you thrive, relationships are strengthened, relation-ships, teams become more cohesive and balanced, and healthier communities are realized.
So join us. Discover your Raw Coping Power. Transform stress into growth. And find the strength that is already within you.
Thank you. Let’s grow stronger, together.
For additional information and to schedule a no-cost training please contact:
Michael J. Van Essen
Certified Prevention Specialist
Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare
320 N. Eisenhower Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: 641-243-7251
mvanessen@prairieridge.net
