Normally, a mention of stress denotes negativity and harm.
When someone is stressed, we expect to see them moody, sad, and probably disturbed.
But, did you know there is good stress?
Experts call it eustress. This is the type of stress where one feels excited and alive due to a particular life event.
We rarely think of stress as a positive thing, but eustress is just that positive stress
Dr Genovese
Eustress, unlike distress is healthy and very much good for the brain functioning.
“We rarely think of stress as a positive thing, but eustress is just that positive stress,” says Dr Michael Genovese, Chief Medical Officer at Acadia healthcare, New York.
Causes of positive stress
Although stress is inevitable, at times it is good and helps in facing day to day life challenges and receiving positive feedback at the end of the stressful period.
According to Genovese, work experiences is a source of eustress.
When challenged with work duty that one needs to fulfill, there is a feeling of being stressed but this feeling also pushes you to putting your best foot forward and giving it your best.
When faced with this sought of stress, the brain adjusts to the situation and its possible that the outcome is best.
Apart from work, one can experience eustress while they are at the verge of beginning a new relationship.
They experience a lot of excitement and at some point it may be stressful but this is triggered by the newness of the relationship and the expectations towards it.
Different life decisions can lead to this type of stress, for example getting a new house, having a child, having a travel experience and moving from a place to another.
Advantages of stress
According to experts, short lived stress can improve alertness and performance
When faced with stress, an individual is detected to be very alert and is able to carry out an activity to the best of their abilities.
Eustress helps you stay motivated , work towards goals and feel good about life
Dr Genovese
When the environment is relaxed and in no pressure to get thing done people tend to find themselves lazy around and hence not receive the best outcome in that situation.
Stress keeps you motivated.
By being stressed up about a situation ,it gives one the urge to make better the situation and improve in an area of difficulty.
“Eustress helps you stay motivated , work towards goals and feel good about life,” adds Dr Genovese.
Good stress comes along due to anticipation of something exciting and in the absence of the expectation the good stress can drastically change and become harmful if not well controlled.