Stress has a bad reputation for several reasons. According to the UK workplace health report 2023, 70% of employees experience moderate to high stress. According to a 2020 study published by the American Institute of Stress, the global average of the number of stressed people out of 143 countries is 35%. Doctors and wellness experts constantly advise that we should manage our stress to stay healthy. We innately want to be relaxed and not stressed!
Given these facts, have you wondered if stress can be beneficial? You will be surprised to know that all stress is not bad, there can be good stress too. A small amount of stress that acts as a stimulation and makes you work better can be advantageous.
Scientists refer to such stress as positive stress or eustress. Examples of good stress are working to meet your deadline for a new project, planning your wedding, learning a new hobby or getting a new job. In all these cases, stress is short lived and there is the belief that the outcome will be beneficial. For handling good stress, you can use a to do list or delegate some tasks to others.
On the other hand, negative stress or distress can overwhelm you and affect your health adversely and even manifest in the form of physical symptoms like pain, high blood pressure, anxiety and insomnia. Examples include more work than you can handle, bad relationships, financial crisis, and any kind of grief. In such cases, stress usually lasts for a longer duration and you have no idea of the outcome. To handle bad stress, you need relaxation techniques like mindfulness and support from your family or a professional.
Some common ways to handle low to moderate stress are planning ahead, regular exercise, yogic deep breathing, meditation, socialising with friends and family, resting adequately and pursuing an activity you enjoy in your spare time such as volunteering, gardening, painting or group sports.
If you feel your stress is high, don’t be afraid to seek professional or medical help. Your doctor or psychologist can guide you and help you manage it.
Always remember whether it is good or bad stress, you can handle it!
