Good Stress: When Stress Can Help (and When It Can Hurt)

Introduction

• Stress is a natural and expected part of daily life.
• Some stress is actually considered "good stress," also known as eustress.
• Good stress helps us feel excited and energized, and it's important to have it in our lives.

What Is Good Stress?

• Good stress is the type of stress we feel when we are excited.
• It keeps us feeling alive and excited about life.
• Examples of good stress include riding a roller coaster, competing for a promotion, or going on a first date.

Good Stress vs. Bad Stress

• Another type of stress is acute stress, which comes from quick surprises that need a response.
• Chronic stress is another form of bad stress, which occurs when we repeatedly face stressors that take a heavy toll and feel inescapable.
• Bad stress can harm our health, while good stress can promote well-being.

How Can Good Stress Be Beneficial?

• Good stress can have several benefits, including:
  • Cognitive benefits: Research suggests that short-term stress positively impacts memory.
  • Better resilience: Facing a stressful situation can help us learn more about ourselves and our abilities.
  • Stronger immunity: Short-term stressors can help improve the body's ability to deal with illness and injury.

Examples of Good Stress

• Taking on exciting work projects
• Learning more about something you're passionate about
• Engaging in physical exercise
• Traveling to new places
• Life changes such as getting married, starting a family, or getting a new job

How Good Stress Can Become Bad Stress

• Good stress can become bad if you experience too much of it.
• It's important to be in tune with yourself and acknowledge when you've had too much stress.

How Bad Stress Can Become Good Stress

• Not all forms of bad stress can become good stress, but it is possible to change your perception of some stressors.
• Focusing on the resources you have to meet the challenge, seeing the potential benefits of a situation, and having a positive mindset can help shift your perception of stress.

Conclusion

• Good stress is an important part of a healthy life.
• You can create more good stress in your life by adding positive activities that excite and motivate you.
• Changing your perception of stressors can help you turn bad stress into good stress.