One of the largest components of our health is stress. While we don’t want to have too much of it, some stress is actually necessary for optimal performance. Usually when we think of stress, we think about distressing parts of our lives that make us feel overwhelmed. This is the type of stress we try to minimize. There is another type of stress, though, that makes us feel alive. It is this type of stress that we should look to maximize. 

Stress is not universal. While they may feel similar in the moment, there are two different types of stress that have radically different impacts on our bodies. The first type of stress mentioned above is called distress, while the second is called eustress. In broad terms, distress negatively affects us while eustress positively affects us. 

It’s easy to think that examples of stress will always fall under one category or another. For example, we may feel like work deadlines are always distressing, while exercise is always a form of eustress. While these categorizations may be true most of the time, it isn’t as simple as categorizing a certain task or event as distress and eustress because there are other factors that determine how our bodies will be impacted. 

When deciding whether a stressful event is likely to negatively affect us or positively affect us, there are some factors we can consider. When we think of stressful events or tasks, we often feel overwhelmed or as if the task is unmanageable. This is a sign of distress. A sign of eustress is not that the task isn’t challenging, but rather that we can recognize that it is challenging and we are able to manage it. 

Other signs that can help us determine whether a stressful event is distress or eustress include emotions we experience during, how confident we feel in ourselves around the particular activity, and how it makes us feel physically. Negative emotions, low self-esteem, and poor physical reactions can be signs of distress, while the opposite can be signs of eustress. 

While most of us are usually looking for ways to decrease distress in our lives, we should not group all forms of stress together and avoid activities that can be considered eustress too. Stressful activities that have positive effects on our bodies are a crucial part of feeling happy, confident, and fulfilled. 

If we avoid all challenges in our lives, we won’t feel our best mentally or physically. It’s important we take time to intentionally incorporate stressful activities into our lives that are manageable, fulfilling, and aligned with our values. Successfully taking on such challenges can have positive effects on all aspects of our health. 

Managing our stress levels is very important if we want to achieve or maintain physical health. When doing so, look to decrease the amount of distress while including forms of eustress on a daily basis. This will look different for everyone. 

Be sure to make your own decisions around stress according to how you feel mentally, physically, and emotionally with different forms of stressful activities.