When we hear the word “stress,” we often think of negative stress, or distress— the type associated with chronic health problems, burnout, and negative effects on mental health. However, not all stress is harmful. Positive stress, known as eustress, can actually benefit our mental health and overall well-being by pushing us beyond our comfort zones, facilitating personal growth, and enhancing our lives.
What Is Positive Stress (Eustress)?
Eustress is a type of stress characterized by feelings of excitement, motivation, and improved performance. Unlike chronic stress, which triggers the body’s stress response and releases high levels of cortisol that can harm your physical health over time, eustress generally involves short-term stressors that have positive effects. These stressors can boost your self-esteem, enhance learning new skills, and even improve your mental health by keeping you engaged and stimulated.
Examples of Positive Stress (Eustress)
- Starting a New Job
- Beginning a new role can elevate your stress levels temporarily but often leads to significant personal growth, new skill acquisition, and increased confidence.
- First Date or New Relationship
- The anticipation and excitement associated with meeting someone new or experiencing a first date trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure momentarily, but also creating positive feelings of excitement and happiness.
- Physical Exercise
- Regular physical activity is a healthy way to induce positive stress. It temporarily increases stress hormones but ultimately enhances your physical and mental health, reduces the negative effects of chronic stress, and improves mood.
- Riding a Roller Coaster or Adventure Activities
- Thrilling experiences such as roller coaster rides activate your stress response, causing a brief surge in adrenaline and cortisol. This can feel exhilarating and satisfying, positively impacting your mental health and overall mood.
- Learning a New Hobby or Skill
- Challenging yourself to learn something new pushes you out of your comfort zones, temporarily increasing stress levels but fostering personal growth and improving self-esteem.
- Important Presentations or Performances
- Presenting in front of a large group can feel stressful, yet this type of stress can sharpen your focus and increase motivation, resulting in a sense of accomplishment afterward.
- Preparing for Significant Life Events
- Planning a wedding, welcoming a new family member, or celebrating major milestones are stressful events, yet they generally yield happiness, connection, and strengthened relationships.
How to Harness Positive Stress for Better Mental Health
Even positive stress requires effective stress management to ensure it remains beneficial rather than becoming overwhelming. Practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, regular physical exercise, and engaging in online therapy or messaging with mental health professionals can help keep stress levels manageable.
Incorporating self-care routines into your daily life ensures you experience the positive effects of eustress without tipping into chronic, negative stress. Recognizing the difference between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress) enables you to manage stressors effectively and use them as tools for personal growth and improved mental health.
Ultimately, embracing positive stress can lead to a more fulfilling, engaging, and mentally healthy life.
