Understanding the Differences Between Good Stress and Bad Stress
When we think about stress, it’s usually in a negative light. Stress often feels like a hurdle, something we just want to get rid of. But did you know that not all stress is bad? In fact, there’s a type of stress that’s beneficial and can even be motivating. This type is known as eustress, or “good stress,” while the more familiar “bad stress” is called distress. Here’s a closer look at what makes each type distinct and how we can recognise them in our lives.
What Exactly Is Stress?
At its core, stress is a natural reaction to a challenge or demand. It’s a response rooted in our survival instincts. When we face something difficult, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to help us respond effectively, giving us the physical and mental push to tackle the challenge. However, the type and intensity of the stress response make all the difference between eustress and distress.
Eustress: The Positive Push
Eustress (from the Greek “eu,” meaning good) is the type of stress that feels stimulating rather than overwhelming. It can actually enhance performance, motivation, and even our mental resilience. Eustress arises when we face challenges that are within our ability to manage, pushing us just beyond our comfort zone.
Examples of Eustress
- Starting a New Job or Project: That initial nervousness before beginning something new can feel stressful, but it’s often combined with excitement and a sense of opportunity.
- Physical Exercise: Think of the stress your body experiences during a workout. While challenging, it strengthens your muscles and leaves you feeling accomplished afterward.
- Personal Milestones or Events: Preparing for a big event, like a wedding, or even planning a holiday, involves stress. Yet, it’s often a joyful stress that heightens the anticipation.
In these cases, stress is paired with positive feelings like excitement or a sense of achievement. Eustress can lead to personal growth, improved focus, and greater satisfaction, making it an important aspect of our lives.
Distress: The Overwhelming Stress
Distress, on the other hand, is the form of stress we’re all too familiar with. It’s what we experience when we feel we’re losing control over a situation or can’t cope with the demands placed on us. This type of stress can be prolonged and overwhelming, leading to negative physical and emotional outcomes like anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and even burnout.
Examples of Distress
- Deadlines with No Breaks: When work piles up and deadlines feel impossible to meet, the stress quickly shifts from motivating to overwhelming.
- Conflict with Loved Ones: Tensions in personal relationships, like arguments with family or friends, create emotional distress that can be hard to shake.
- Financial Troubles: Stress around finances can create an unrelenting worry that drains mental and emotional energy.
Distress feels like a burden. It often lingers, makes you feel stuck, and can lead to harmful impacts on health and well-being if left unaddressed.
Recognising Eustress vs. Distress in Your Life
A helpful way to differentiate these types of stress in your life is to check in with how a situation makes you feel. Does the challenge give you a thrill and energise you, or does it feel like a weight that pulls you down? And importantly, is it something you can control or manage with your resources and abilities?
For example:
- Job Interview Nerves – If you’re feeling a bit nervous but also excited, that’s likely eustress at play. But if the thought of the interview leaves you unable to sleep or feeling panicked, it’s leaning toward distress.
- Moving to a New Place – Moving house can be both eustressful and distressful. If the move feels like a fresh start, there’s likely eustress involved, but if it feels overwhelming and isolating, it may bring more distress.
Managing Both Types of Stress
While we often focus on reducing stress, it’s just as important to recognise and even embrace eustress. Here’s how to keep both types of stress in check:
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Embrace Eustress
Seek out small challenges and opportunities for growth, whether it’s learning a new skill, setting a fitness goal, or trying something new. Eustress can help you stay motivated and add excitement to your routine. -
Tame Distress
Identify the root of distress and find ways to manage it. This could mean breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable ones, setting boundaries, or finding someone to share your worries with. Mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling can also help to reduce the weight of distress. -
Know When to Seek Help
If distress starts to affect your daily life or well-being, it’s a good idea to speak to a mental health professional. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make a big difference.
Final thoughts …
Stress doesn’t have to be the enemy. By understanding the difference between eustress and distress, we can embrace the positive aspects of stress while learning to manage and reduce the negative ones. Next time you’re faced with a challenge, take a moment to think: is this pushing you toward growth, or does it feel like too much? Embracing eustress and reducing distress can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.