A new work project or a trip can be a challenge that helps us grow.

Not all stress is bad. In fact, we can experience eustress, a type of positive stress that promotes our emotional well-being.

Eustress motivates us to tackle our problems. It empowers us to be creative, take the initiative and respond efficiently to situations that call for it.

This ‘good stress’ helps us to stay motivated, work towards our goals and feel better about our lives.

Why should we foster eustress?

Eustress is about challenging ourselves enough, without draining all our resources. It also helps us grow in three areas:

Emotionally. It produces feelings of satisfaction, inspiration and motivation.

Psychologically. It helps us to develop our self-efficacy, autonomy and resilience.

Physically. It helps to improve our fitness (for example, after a workout).

Where can eustress appear?

Work. A new project can challenge us to draw on our strengths and acquire new skills. Of course, the job should be challenging, but realistic.

Personal interests. Learning new things can be a real challenge. Plus, small victories motivate us to continue learning and improving.

Travel. Even though it’s stressful, travel is an enriching experience. You immerse yourself in another place, with new foods to enjoy and a whole new culture to experience.

Exercise. We’re pushing our bodies to the limit when we exercise. Whether at the gym or on a hike, we can be listening to music and concentrating at the time.

How can we include more positive stress in our lives?

• Learn something new every day (whether big or small).
• Get out of your comfort zone.
• Get daily exercise (the more, the better).
• Set goals (personal and professional) that are challenging and realistic.
• Expand your social circles (getting to know someone can enrich you).

Sources:

Eustrés y distrés: Diferencias entre los tipos de estrés positivo y negativo. 27 ago 2021. Mundo Psicólogos.

¿Qué es el eustrés? By Maite Nicuesa. 3 November 2017. Psicología Online.

What Is Eustress? By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Updated on May 11, 2022. Medically reviewed by David Susman, PhD. Very Well Mind.

El estrés positivo o ‘eustrés’: cómo aprovecharse y sacar la parte positiva del estrés. Ashley M. Pérez. 31 May, 2015. Psicología y Mente.

Eustress: The Good Stress. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — By Sara Lindberg on January 3, 2019. Healthline

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