When people talk about stress, it’s usually in the context of how harmful it can be to our physical and mental health. And while that’s certainly true, not all stress is bad. In fact, under the right circumstances, stress can be neutral—or even beneficial. This “good” kind of stress is known as eustress.
Here’s what you need to know about how eustress affects the body and how it’s different from harmful stress.
What Is Eustress?
Eustress is a positive form of stress that we feel when facing goals or challenges. The term comes from the Greek word “eu” (meaning “good”) and “stress”—so eustress literally means “good stress.” It’s the kind of pressure that boosts motivation, focus, and drive.
Eustress often shows up when we’re working toward a meaningful goal and feeling excited about the challenge, rather than overwhelmed. It sounds like: “I’ve got this. This is exciting,” not “I’m not good enough. This is terrifying.”
That feeling of excitement or motivation is key. It pushes you forward, helping bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
Eustress vs. Distress
Compared to negative stress (also called distress), eustress feels different in the body. While distress can lead to digestive issues, sleep problems, and racing thoughts, eustress is more manageable.
It can actually increase feelings of joy and pride—you feel energized, not drained.
Think of it this way: eustress powers you up, while distress tends to shut you down. Eustress might spark creativity or make you jump out of bed in the morning. Distress, on the other hand, can leave you paralyzed by fear.
Examples of Eustress
Here are some everyday situations where you might feel eustress:
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Preparing for a big promotion at work
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Studying for an exam you feel ready for
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Planning an exciting wedding
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Working toward a challenging but rewarding fitness goal
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Going back to school to study a subject you love
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Trying a new sport you’ve always wanted to try
Keeping a Positive Outlook
Even eustress can become overwhelming if there’s too much of it. It’s important to take mental breaks so that eustress doesn’t turn into chronic stress or anxiety.
If you’re under constant stress—no matter what kind—it can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. Make time for activities that give your brain a rest and help you reset, like calling a friend or going for a run. These small breaks can help prevent stress from spiraling into burnout.
Along with mental breaks, a low-sugar, low-alcohol diet, spending time in nature, or using calming tools like lavender essential oil can all help manage stress in healthy ways.
Final Thoughts
Stress often gets a bad rap, but when approached with balance, it can actually help us thrive. Give yourself space to relax, recharge your creativity, and support your body. That way, you can harness stress as a positive force—a motivating, energizing tool—instead of letting it become a burden.