Good Stress and Bad Stress: Is There a Difference?

If you are suffering from extreme stress or long-term stress, your body will eventually wear itself down. But sometimes, small amounts of stress can actually be good.

Understanding your stress level is important. If nothing in your life causes you any stress or excitement, you may become bored or may not be living up to your potential. If everything in your life causes you stress, you may experience health or mental problems that will make your behavior worse.

Recognizing when you are stressed and managing your stress can greatly improve your life. Some short-term stress — for example what you feel before an important job presentation, test, interview, or sporting event — may give you the extra energy you need to perform at your best. But long-term stress — for example constant worry over your job, school, or family — may actually drain your energy and your ability to perform well.

Good Stress: Good stress helps us to go about our daily tasks and achieve those hard-to-reach goals. This type of stress, called eustress, helps us learn new things, adapt to change and engage in creative thinking. Everyone experiences good stress on a daily basis. Another form of good stress is the stress that enables us to survive in times of trauma. This stress makes us aware of danger and enables us to escape when we need to.

Bad Stress: Bad forms of stress do not help us to achieve goals or tasks, but instead actually inhibit our ability to function on a daily basis. Bad stress occurs when too much stress begins to build up around us. Once the body feels that there is too much stress, it will begin to break down, causing symptoms like perspiration, anxiety, headaches and rapid breathing. This kind of stress can take a huge toll on your physical and mental well-being.

10 Ways to Stay Healthy Under Stress

1. Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine can increase levels of stress hormones.
2. Take along healthy food. Don’t suffer the consequences of missed meals and fast food binges.
3. Don’t “treat” stress symptoms. Alcohol, sedatives, stimulants, nicotine or other substances will only worsen the stress symptoms in the long run.
4. Evaluate dietary supplements carefully. Not everyone needs vitamins. Ask your doctor if you would benefit.
5. Eat breakfast. Even if you’re late for your first meeting, grab a bite to eat. Stress amplifies our need for adequate fuel.
6. Drink water. It gives you something to do when nervous and might help you resist the urge for caffeine or junk food.
7. Don’t skimp on sleep. Sleep provides essential rejuvenation time. Make it a priority.
8. Don’t fall prey to denial.Don’t write off serious psychological or physical symptoms. Detect and diagnose problems early when they are treatable.
9. Walk somewhere each day. You might not have time for a workout, but you can walk. Just 10-15 minutes can clear your head and improve your mood.
10. Schedule medical and dental appointments. Regular checkups and screenings are a must. Make appointments in advance and plan your schedule around them.

Prolific + Brilliant - Healthy = Burnout