Module 8 - Stress; From distress to Eustress
Welcome to this final Brain Hacks session, where we untangle the real roots of stress — not as an enemy, but as a signal.
In this module, we explored stress as feedback: a response to our perception of a one-sided world. We broke down the two forms — eustress, which aligns with challenge in the pursuit of purpose, and distress, which arises when we perceive threat without support, or fantasy without grounding.
We unpacked how stress emerges when we:
Expect gain without loss or pleasure without pain — splitting perception and destabilizing the nervous system
Chase fantasies or avoid nightmares, projecting outcomes with only one side seen
Inject others' values and abandon our own highest priorities
Attempt to live outside our own nature, leading to internal chaos and burnout
You’ll learn how:
The amygdala drives black-and-white responses through “seek and avoid” patterns
The executive centre restores governance when we embrace both challenge and support
Shifting perception dissolves distress and restores clarity, poise, and physiological balance
Values-based living transforms stress into resilience, adaptability, and inspired action
You’ll also be introduced to the 8 practical pillars for recalibrating your life — from values alignment and priority management, to delegation, perception equilibration, gratitude, nutrition, exercise, and rest — all designed to return you to authenticity and visionary living.
Stress isn’t a flaw. It’s your compass.
As always, your workbook is available below for integration, reflection, and to deepen the inner shifts we explored together.
Thursday session