Stress is a word we hear often, and usually not in a positive light. It’s commonly linked to burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm. But not all stress is bad. Some stress can be helpful, even healthy. The key is understanding the difference between good stress and bad stress, and how each affects us physically, emotionally, and mentally.
What Is Good Stress?
Good stress, also known as eustress, is the kind of stress that motivates, energises, and helps us rise to a challenge. It’s the buzz you feel before a big presentation, the push that gets you over the finish line, or the excitement that comes with starting something new—like a job, a creative project, or a relationship.
Eustress:
- Is short-term
- Feels exciting or stimulating
- Improves performance
- Builds resilience and confidence
- Encourages growth and achievement
Eustress is part of how we adapt and evolve. It can enhance focus and drive, and when we manage it well, it contributes to a sense of purpose and progress.
What Is Bad Stress?
Bad stress, or distress, is the type that wears us down over time. It feels overwhelming, draining, and often out of our control. Unlike eustress, which can be energising, distress leads to anxiety, fatigue, and can negatively impact our mental and physical health if left unmanaged.
Distress:
- Can be short or long-term
- Feels overwhelming or unpleasant
- Impairs performance and decision-making
- Leads to burnout, anxiety, or depression
- Disrupts sleep, appetite, and relationships
Examples of distress include ongoing work pressure without support, financial hardship, chronic illness, or strained relationships. These situations often feel like they have no clear end or solution, making them more emotionally taxing.
The Line Between the Two
Sometimes the same situation can trigger both types of stress, depending on your mindset, resources, and support systems. For instance, planning a wedding might be exciting and motivating for one person, but overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for another.
The tipping point between good and bad stress often comes down to perception and coping ability. When we feel in control and capable, we’re more likely to experience stress as a positive challenge. But when demands exceed our perceived ability to cope, that stress can quickly turn negative.
Managing Stress: Tips to Shift the Balance
- Recognise your signs: Learn to notice early symptoms of stress in your body and mind. Awareness is the first step to change.
- Reframe your thinking: Sometimes shifting your perspective on a situation—from threat to challenge—can help turn distress into eustress.
- Stay connected: Talking things through with someone you trust can ease the pressure and provide valuable perspective.
- Take breaks: Rest and recovery are vital. Good stress requires balance.
- Seek help when needed: If stress is persistent or interfering with daily life, it’s okay to ask for support—from a counsellor, GP, or mental health professional.
Final Thoughts
Stress isn’t always the enemy—it’s part of life. But learning to tell the difference between the stress that helps and the stress that harms is crucial to our wellbeing. With the right tools, support, and mindset, we can use stress to fuel growth rather than let it consume us.
If you’d like to book an appointment to talk about your stress, you can book here.