“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” -Hans Selye
(Endocrinologist often considered the first person to demonstrate the existence of biological stress, i.e., identifying stress as underpinning the nonspecific signs and symptoms of illness)
Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about stress and the importance of creating workplaces that support our employees’ wellbeing, but in recognition of Stress Awareness Month, stress warrants another look – specifically because not all stress is bad.
Stress is our body’s response to changing stimuli – for example, a challenge or a demand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as "the reaction people may have when presented with demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope.”
Stress often creates emotional or physical tension related to events or thoughts that make us feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. However, in short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.
Hans Selye introduced the concept of two types of stress – distress and eustress – impacted in large part by our mindset and response to the stressor.
Distress is stress that negatively affects us. It has been linked to many significant health issues and can paralyze us and impede our progress, success, and overall wellbeing.
Developing coping mechanisms, ways of managing Distress, is vital for our wellbeing in order to counteract those negative impacts.
For example, physical or emotional abuse, serious illness, and financial instability are all typical examples of Distress.
Eustress is stress that positively affects us. It energizes us and motivates us to make or embrace a change. It can give us an optimistic outlook that helps us overcome obstacles.
For example, starting a new job, engaging in a demanding workout, and getting married are all typical examples of eustress.
There's a link below to a blog which includes examples of the impact of Distress vs. Eustress, along with additional examples of each, as well as questions you can ask yourself to determine if you’re dealing with Distress or Eustress, and links to other helpful resources.
During this Stress Awareness Month, I encourage you to conduct an honest assessment of the Distress and Eustress in your life, how well you’re coping with the Distress, and how you might use Eustress to counteract the Distress.
And while you’re at it, focus on paced breathing, take a few minutes for yourself each day to do something restorative, eat nutritious food, and prioritize sleep.
Wishing you all peace of mind and improved wellbeing.
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