You currently have a healthy level of stress! Stress is a natural part of our modern lives. A little bit of stress is inevitable, but oftentimes that's a good thing. Good stress, or eustress, is the type of stress you feel when you're excited. Your pulse quickens and your hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear. Some amounts of stress are good to push you just to the level of optimal alertness, behavioral and cognitive performance. Stress helps you meet your daily challenges and motivates you to reach your goals, ultimately making you a smarter, happier and healthier person. That's right. Good stress is vital for a healthy life. Good stress is short-term and it inspires and motivates you, focuses your energy and enhances performance.
Stress is a normal, human reaction. It's how the brain and body respond to any demand. Stress occurs when someone feels an imbalance between a challenge and the resources they have to deal with it. In small doses, stress can actually have some positive effects. Moderate levels of daily, manageable stress — also known as 'eustress' — can go a long way when it comes to kickstarting your work. For example, the stress of a deadline can help you focus and pay more attention because time is running out. Even though stress can feel overwhelming, it also forces you to problem-solve, ultimately building confidence and skills that are important for future experiences. Stressful situations can be managed by making a few changes in your daily routine, including eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise and sufficient rest.
As you're living with high levels of stress, you're putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress can cause damage to your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. It may seem like there's nothing you can do about stress. The bills won't stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think.
Some of the greatest stress in life can come from changes - both positive and negative, and these extremely stressful changes are often unexpected and related to employment, living situations, relationships, health and finances that over a long period, can lead to health problems: Your muscles tend to tense up when you're stressed, and over time this can cause headaches or migraines. Excessive stress may also affect your sleep and/or appetite (more or less than usual) and cause digestive problems. When you're overwhelmed with stress, these can make your heart beat faster and your blood pressure rise. Stress can also affect how you think and feel, making it tough to get through your normal responsibilities and make rational decisions. Emotional signs include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability and problems with memory or concentration. Additionally, the feelings you get when you're stressed may make you feel like withdrawing from friends and family and isolating yourself.
