It’s been a while since I have written for the Bucknellian, and I kid you not, I only have an hour of free time in my schedule to relax and do recreational activities. I feel as if this activity load is becoming the new normal. The large amount of the stuff I’m doing is fun, so that’s good, at least, but it’s constant activity 24/7. If I’m learning anything during this time, it is that stress can sometimes actually be a really good thing. Not to become too technical, but as an engineering major, I learned there is a material property that actually strengthens things when stress is applied to them. And that is exactly what is happening this semester. So, let me take a step back and explain why stress can be good.

When one usually mentions stress, especially over the last few decades, it has always had a negative connotation. According to the World Health Organization, stress can be defined as a “state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Even this definition emphasizes the fact that stress is not a good thing. And I can admit it’s not always a good thing, since it evokes anxious feelings. Stress causes us not to get stuff done, and puts us in a difficult spot of not having the time to reflect and take time for ourselves. It’s that exact form of stress that snowballs into other more harmful types or more severe issues.

However, there are some good things about stress that you can benefit from. For instance, while stuff may be very stressful, it forces you to think on your feet, go with the flow and perform at your limits. Thinking on your feet is always great, as this allows you to make decisions quickly and be confident that you made the right choice. Things usually never go to plan, so making that assertive decision and standing by it is crucial, both professionally and in everyday life. The same goes for following the flow; you will not always be able to decide what you want to do or when you want to do it. There is a reason the Bear Grylls quote, “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.” is as important as it is. And sometimes, this only happens when you’re stressed and your body goes into its natural state of survival. When you’ve reached that state, it unlocks your ability to perform at your limits; your senses get elevated, your mind clears and you focus on the best way to get a task done. It takes a lot of energy to get there, but when you are in that spot, great things can start to happen. 

Diamonds are a coveted commodity in the modern world and for good reason. They are beautiful. But what can perplex some people is how diamonds are actually created. You see, when coal, made of carbon, is heated to extreme temperatures and squeezed with intense pressure, the carbon reshapes to become a diamond. So what does this mean? Well, swap out coal for yourself– under enough pressure, aided by determination, you can ascend the feelings of anxiety and become a diamond. As they say, “Pressure makes diamonds.”