In the 1990s, scientists built a giant enclosed “biosphere” in Arizona. Inside, trees grew fast in perfect conditions. But as they matured, something strange happened. They started falling over.
The reason? No wind.
Without stress, the trees never developed the dense “stress wood” that keeps them strong. They grew tall, but fragile.
People aren’t so different. In my years as a psychiatrist, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen only in comfort. It happens when life gives us friction, challenge and recovery. Stress in the right amounts helps us build our own “stress wood.”
But just like the trees, it isn’t stress alone that makes us strong. It’s how we respond to it, use it and recover from it that creates real resilience.
🔸 Three Ways to Use Stress to Grow Stronger 🔸
✅ Choose Small, Intentional Challenges
Don’t wait for life to push you. Pick something slightly outside your comfort zone and do it on purpose. Each deliberate challenge builds confidence and mental “stress wood.”
✅ Recover as Hard as You Work
Trees bend in the wind but recover between storms. Make time for rest, reflection, and self-care. Stress plus recovery equals growth. Stress without recovery equals burnout.
✅ Seek Support and Perspective
Even trees in the wild are supported by interconnected roots. Therapy, mentorship or a trusted community can help you frame challenges as growth rather than threat. This is how stress becomes strengthening rather than damaging.
“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.”
– C.S. Lewis
We don’t get stronger by avoiding all stress.
We get stronger by facing stress wisely, in doses we can handle, with support when we need it.
Every challenge you meet is a chance to build your own version of “stress wood” – and that’s what keeps you standing tall.
Peter Zafirides, MD
Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine
(Image Credit: Matty Piazzi)
(For educational and informational purposes only. Not medical advice.)
PSYCHIATRY
COLUMBUS, OHIO
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression do not take these symptoms lightly. The earlier you get help, the quicker you can find healing, because your symptoms truly can get better. Working with our psychiatrists is a proven path for dealing with such concerns. Contact us to talk about getting you the help you need and deserve.
