Learn to LOVE Stress – Here’s How!

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Recognizing the difference between harmful chronic stress and beneficial eustress could be the key to unlocking better health and personal growth as you age.

At a Glance

Stress comes in two forms: eustress (beneficial) and distress (harmful), with your perception largely determining which you experience
Chronic distress accelerates aging and increases cardiovascular risks, while eustress can enhance motivation, resilience, and overall wellbeing
Short-term, positive stressors like exercise, learning new skills, and challenging activities can activate cellular repair mechanisms that improve health
Practical stress management techniques include mindfulness, physical activity, social support, and reframing challenges as growth opportunities

Understanding the Two Faces of Stress

The word “stress” often carries negative connotations, but not all stress is harmful. Experts categorize stress into two distinct types: eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress). The difference between these two types isn’t necessarily the stressor itself, but rather how we perceive and respond to it. What might feel overwhelming to one person could be an exciting challenge to another. This distinction is crucial because it affects not only your mental state but also your physical health and ability to grow from life’s challenges.

When you experience eustress, your body responds with manageable levels of stress hormones that sharpen focus and increase energy without overwhelming your system. This positive stress is typically short-term, feels exciting rather than threatening, and improves performance. Examples include starting a new job, learning a new skill, or tackling a challenging but achievable project. These situations push you slightly outside your comfort zone but remain within your capacity to handle them effectively.

All stress is not bad.
Good stress = "Eustress"
Bad stress = "Distress"

You can hack "eustress" to propel your personal growth.

Most people don't even know what eustress is — 1.5min lesson below 👇

thread:

— Matt Soule | Stress Mastery (@MattSoule) October 17, 2022

The Health Impact of Different Stress Types

Chronic distress takes a significant toll on your body. When stress hormones like cortisol remain elevated for extended periods, they can accelerate aging, increase inflammation, and raise cardiovascular risk factors. Research shows that prolonged negative stress contributes to conditions like anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and weakened immune function. The physical impacts accumulate over time, making stress management increasingly important as you age.

Conversely, eustress can become a powerful ally for health and longevity. This concept aligns with “hormesis”—the biological principle that small amounts of stress can strengthen cellular resilience. Intermittent, acute stressors like moderate exercise, intellectual challenges, and even practices like intermittent fasting activate what scientists call “vitagenes”—genes responsible for cellular repair and regeneration. This process helps your body become more efficient at managing future stressors while enhancing overall health.

Harnessing Eustress for Personal Growth

The relationship between eustress and personal development follows the Yerkes-Dodson law, which suggests that optimal levels of arousal improve performance, while too little or too much stress diminishes it. Finding this sweet spot allows you to challenge yourself productively without becoming overwhelmed. When you successfully navigate eustress situations, you build confidence in your ability to handle challenges, expanding your capacity for future growth.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes the state of “flow” as “the ultimate eustress experience,” where you’re fully immersed in an activity that’s challenging yet achievable. This state often leads to significant personal growth and life satisfaction. Activities that create this flow state vary widely—from creative pursuits and physical activities to learning new skills or solving complex problems. The key is finding challenges that stretch your abilities without overwhelming them.

Practical Strategies for Managing Stress

Transforming harmful stress into beneficial eustress begins with changing your mindset. Research by health psychologist Kelly McGonigal shows that simply viewing stress as helpful rather than harmful can alter your physiological response to it. When you see your racing heart as preparing you for action rather than signaling danger, you “create the biology of courage” that helps you rise to challenges rather than avoid them.

Practical approaches to managing stress effectively include building a strong support network, practicing mindfulness meditation, engaging in regular physical activity, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Setting realistic goals, breaking large tasks into smaller steps, and celebrating progress helps maintain stress at motivating rather than overwhelming levels. Additionally, activities like moderate exercise, spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, and practicing relaxation techniques all help balance your stress response system.

I think Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff might be the most underrated philosopher of the last century.

He has been described as a cross between Indiana Jones, the Buddha, and Borat.

Here are five of his (lesser-known) bold ideas:

Idea #1: Gurdjieff has one exercise that almost… pic.twitter.com/O9dY2ritQi

— Jonny Miller (@jonnym1ller) September 6, 2024

Finding Your Optimal Stress Balance

The ideal balance between eustress and distress differs for each person based on individual resilience, past experiences, and current resources. Paying attention to how your body responds to various challenges helps you identify your personal stress sweet spot. When you feel energized, focused, and capable despite facing challenges, you’re likely experiencing beneficial eustress. Conversely, persistent anxiety, sleep disturbances, or physical symptoms signal that stress has crossed into harmful territory.

For those experiencing persistent distress, professional support can be valuable. Options include consulting mental health professionals, utilizing employee assistance programs, or exploring online therapy resources. Remember that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness. With the right support and strategies, you can transform your relationship with stress, using it as a catalyst for growth rather than allowing it to undermine your health and happiness.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/be-the-sun-not-the-salt/202408/eustress-the-good-stress

https://www.allhealthmatters.co.uk/post/the-positive-effects-of-stress-how-stress-can-actually-be-beneficial-to-your-wellbeing