Good Stress vs Bad Stress

"Good stress" or what the psychologists refer to as "eustress," is the type of stress that we feel when we are excited. Our pulse quickens or gets fast and our hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear. We feel this type of stress when we ride a roller coaster, compete for a promotion, or go on a first date. There are many triggers for this good stress, and it keeps us feeling alive and excited about our life.

Another type of stress is acute stress. It comes from quick surprises that needs a response. Acute stress triggers our body's stress response as well, but the triggers cannot be always happy or exciting. This is what we normally think of as stress or bad stress. Acute stress in itself doesn't take a heavy toll if we find ways to relax quickly. Once the stressor has been dealt with, we need to return our body to the homeostasis, or its pre-stress state, to be healthy and to be happy.

Chronic stress is the another form of bad stress which occurs when we repeatedly face the stressors that take a heavy toll and feel inescapable. A stressful job or an unhappy home life can bring this type of stress. This is what we normally think of as a serious stress. Because our bodies aren't designed for the chronic stress, we can face negative health effects (both physical and emotional) if we experience chronic stress for an extended period of time.

Yes, We can add good stress to our life! Ideally, We choose activities and set goals that makes us feel good, happy, and excited. To gauge whether or not an activity is worth your time, pay attention to how the thought of it makes you feel. Do you feel excited? Is it a "want to," or a "have to"? Be sure your "want to" activities are all things you really do want to do, and your "have to" activities are all absolutely necessary.