Why Your Stress needs to be Eustress

Some positive words often get overshadowed by their negative counterparts. Take the word "gruntled." When was the last time you heard someone say they were gruntled? But how often do you hear about people being "disgruntled"?

Another word that gets overshadowed this way is "eustress," which is the opposite of "distress." What’s the difference? Eustress is beneficial stress that can enhance performance and well-being, while distress is harmful stress that makes you feel anxious, afraid, or even depressed.

How can you tell if you’re pushing beneficial eustress to its limits and on the verge of slipping into distress? Here are three signs:

• High Irritability: Are things getting on your nerves that you’d usually brush off? Snapping at family, friends, or coworkers? You’re redlining.

• High Tension: Do your neck and shoulders feel tense, like you’re ready for a fight? Clenching your jaw constantly? You’re redlining.

• Lower Immunity: Feeling run-down all the time? Catching frequent colds or having persistent minor aches? You’re redlining.

What can you do to shift back into the safe and productive zone of eustress? Think of it like a car engine redlining—ease up a bit. Prioritize what’s most important (and let the rest go), say “no” when you need to, and acknowledge your limits.

In no time, you’ll become "ept" (another underused word) at recognizing the signs of slipping into distress and can take steps to stay in that productive state of eustress!