Can our bodies tell the difference between good stress and bad stress?
Stress – the mere mention of the word generates a negative connotation in our minds. Every day we are bombarded with emotional pressure. Deadlines at work, the economy, credit card debt, mortgages, the political arena, and raising a family are just a few of the worries many Americans are facing.
But, did you know that all stress is not created equal?
Experts are now defining stress in two categories: Distress and eustress. By definition, eustress is good stress. Can there be such a thing as good stress?
Yes, stress can occur during times of transition to better things. Perhaps you just got promoted, are running your first marathon, or have a new baby on the way. Though these are happy occasions, your body will still experience stress. As far as the human body is concerned though, stress cannot be categorized.
Your body cannot tell the difference between distress (bad stress), and eustress (good stress). If you get caught up in your reaction to it and let your mind run wild, you’ll feel stressed.
Try to interpret events from a neutral place, and stress will shrink to manageable proportions. The world is uncontrollable. The only thing you can control is your response to it.
