A Practical Guide to Stress and Stress Mangement

To successfully manage stress, it’s helpful to know and understand a few things about it. Here are three biggies that may surprise you:

There is “good” stress and “bad” stress

Eustress is positive stress that can motivate and energize individuals. It is typically associated with exciting or fulfilling situations. Physiologically speaking, endorphins are an example of “good” chemicals released in our body when we encounter eustress. Other effects of eustress on our wellbeing can include:

• Motivation: Eustress can help push us to achieve goals, meet deadlines, or take on new challenges.

• Manageable: Eustress feels within our control and can lead to growth or personal/professional development.

• Effective: Eustress can improve performance and enhance our focus and creativity.

Distress is negative stress that can overwhelm individuals and lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or apathy. Physiologically speaking, cortisol is an example of a “not-so-good” chemical released in our body when we encounter distress. Other issues that can make distress problematic can include:

• Distress can hinder performance and lead to burnout.

• Distress often results from chronic pressures such as job dissatisfaction, financial troubles, or relationship problems.

• Distress feels outside of your control and can lead to feelings of helplessness or being trapped.

• Distress can cause various health issues, including fatigue, anxiety, and decreased immune function.

Stress in all its forms cannot be eradicated, nor should it be.

While good stress can motivate us (think runners high), bad stress can protect us (think fight or flight response). Stress in and of itself is not a bad thing. It’s unresolved stress that becomes problematic.

Managing stress can be easier than we think. Introducing: The Stress Cycle.

The stress cycle is comprised of distinct stages:

• The stressful event

• The reaction to the stressful event

• The recovery from the stressful event

Here’s a visual of a complete stress cycle:

Here’s a visual of what actually happens to many of us:

The piece that’s often missing is the most important step of all: recovery.

Overall, completing the stress cycle is within our reach. If you’re looking for practical ways to accomplish this, be sure to read this blog post where I share several things you can consider doing. Interested in even more ideas? Download my stress management checklist where I share thirty (!) ideas!