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When it comes to stress, you can’t always control where it comes from, or even how much of it is in store for you today. And since there’s no way to get it out of your life for good, why not turn it into something positive?

It’s not as hard as it sounds. As it turns out, stress isn’t always a bad thing. It can actually benefit your health, boost your brain power, and help motivate you to move out of an uncomfortable situation.

Allow stress to be a motivator in all aspects of your life, and you might even be a little bit grateful to see it come your way. And that’s a good thing because it’s not going anywhere any time soon. Here are 14 ways to turn stress into motivation.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Forgive

I once heard someone say that holding on to anger is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.

Forgiving someone (even when they’re not sorry) is the best way to let go of the baggage that’s holding you back.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Take Only What You Need

When your boss has a not-so-constructive way of criticizing, practice taking the advice and leaving the attitude behind. Use their direction to succeed without letting the salt get in your way.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Avoid The Stress You Can Control

If traffic drives you so crazy you start every day on the wrong foot, try leaving earlier or even taking a longer route with less traffic.

Being able to shake off that stress can will give you the feeling that you’re in control.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Get Great At Unplugging

Energy spent dealing with stress means less left over for anything else. Find an activity that lets you shake off the days’ drama in short spurts: spend the evening with your phone off, visit your favorite dessert place, try a lot of different things until you find the right one to clear your mind to focus on other things.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Let Them Take You On Vacation

Whether it’s the kids, work or your spouse: whenever they make your stress meter move, put a dollar in a savings jar. Use the money to treat yourself to anything from a weekend trip to a spa day.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Delegate

When the amount on your plate makes you wish there were more of you, make it happen. Hiring an assistant, someone to deliver your groceries, or even clean up can free you up to be even more productive while decreasing your stress.

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Image Source: Shutterstock

Stick To What’s Important

It’s not only a good way to pass on tasks that are adding to your stress, it’s also a great way to get to your goals more quickly by only focusing only on the work that will get you there.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Keep It Moving

In life, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. And sometimes stress is just what we need to motivate us to move to the next job, life opportunity or relationship, instead of getting comfortable (and stressed out) staying in one place.