Can stress be good for Your wellbeing? Examining the realms of positive stress

Stress has long been seen as the villain in the story of workplace wellbeing. When we hear the word, we often think of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or drained. But what if stress could actually play a positive role in our lives? Is there such a thing as good stress?

In recent years, the conversation around stress has shifted slightly to include something called “positive stress,” or eustress. While it’s true that chronic stress can have serious negative impacts on our health and wellbeing, not all stress is harmful. In fact, a certain level of stress can boost productivity, motivation, and even wellbeing when managed correctly. Let’s explore how positive stress works and how you can harness it in your daily life.

What Is Positive Stress (Eustress)?

Eustress is the type of stress that can motivate us, challenge us, and help us grow. It’s the feeling of excitement before giving a big presentation or meeting a tight deadline, the energy that pushes us to perform at our best. This form of stress is often short-term, manageable, and perceived as something we can control or overcome.

For example, think about the last time you had a project due at work. You probably felt a bit of stress leading up to the deadline, but that stress likely kept you focused and driven. It might have spurred creative thinking or problem-solving that allowed you to produce your best work. That’s positive stress in action.

The Benefits of Positive Stress

While we often talk about stress as a negative force, eustress offers several benefits that can enhance both personal and professional wellbeing:

1. Increased Motivation: Positive stress provides the adrenaline rush that keeps us engaged and motivated to meet challenges. It’s why many people thrive under pressure, as it pushes them to go above and beyond their usual performance.
2. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that mild levels of stress can actually improve cognitive function, sharpening focus, boosting memory, and enhancing problem-solving skills. When your brain perceives a challenge that feels surmountable, it enters a state of heightened alertness, improving performance.
3. Growth and Development: Eustress helps push people out of their comfort zones, encouraging personal growth. It creates opportunities for learning and development by challenging individuals to tackle new tasks, take risks, and overcome obstacles.
4. Resilience Building: Exposure to manageable stress teaches you how to cope better with future stressors. It strengthens your resilience and makes you better equipped to handle challenges down the line.
5. A Sense of Accomplishment: Positive stress is often linked to goals, whether it’s hitting a deadline or completing a big project. Once you’ve conquered that challenge, the feeling of accomplishment can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement.

How to Recognise Positive vs. Negative Stress

It’s important to recognise the difference between eustress and harmful stress, known as distress. Eustress is generally short-lived and feels exhilarating, while distress is prolonged and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted.

Signs of positive stress include:

• Feeling excited or energised
• Believing the challenge is within your abilities
• Experiencing bursts of creativity and focus
• Viewing the situation as a challenge, not a threat

On the flip side, negative stress may manifest as:

• Physical symptoms like headaches or tension
• Persistent worry or anxiety
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control

How to Cultivate Positive Stress in the Workplace

While we don’t want to create high-pressure environments that lead to burnout, encouraging a culture where eustress thrives can be beneficial for both employees and employers. Here’s how to create opportunities for positive stress at work:

1. Set Challenging but Achievable Goals: Giving employees projects or tasks that push their limits, but are within their abilities, can create a healthy amount of pressure. This helps to boost motivation and engagement.
2. Encourage Professional Development: Opportunities for growth and learning, such as taking on new responsibilities or mastering new skills, create an environment where eustress can thrive.
3. Provide Support: While eustress is positive, it’s still stress. Make sure employees have the tools and resources they need to succeed, and encourage them to take breaks and prioritise self-care when needed.
4. Celebrate Successes: Recognising accomplishments—whether big or small—creates a feedback loop where employees associate the stress of a challenge with the joy of success, reinforcing their ability to tackle future tasks.

Stress Management: Balancing the Scales

The key to benefiting from positive stress is balance. Too much stress, even if it starts as eustress, can quickly turn into distress if not managed properly. It’s essential to keep stress in check and know when to step back. Here are a few ways to keep the scales balanced:

• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage stress levels and keep them in a healthy range.
• Take regular breaks: Stepping away from work and allowing your mind to rest can prevent stress from becoming overwhelming.
• Stay connected: Regular check-ins with colleagues, friends, and family can provide the social support necessary to manage stress effectively.

Don’t Fear Stress—Learn to Embrace It

Stress doesn’t have to be the bad guy. By embracing eustress, you can turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth, development, and success. It’s all about recognising the difference between positive and negative stress and creating an environment where you can thrive under pressure.

The next time you feel that rush of adrenaline before a big task, don’t panic—lean into it, and see where it takes you!