EUSTRESS VS DISTRESS

Eustress vs Distress

All forms of stress will cause a physical reaction of some sort. The symptoms you experience, and the degree you experience them determines the type of stress you’re dealing with. There are two types of stressors—eustress and distress. Both stressors result in a release of cortisol, but the way in which you respond to the stressors creates the distinction between the two.

Eustress

Eustress has a positive effect on us. It’s what motivates us to make a change. For instance, when you’re sick, eustress motivates you to overcome your illness and get back to health as quickly as possible. Another example of eustress is using a challenging project at work to overcome new obstacles. Unlike distress, eustress creates excitement and gives you a positive outlook.

Take a moment to identify what works as a eustress for you.

Distress

Opposite of eustress, distress has a negative effect on us. When we’re in a stressful situation we have no control over, distress highlights how it can surpass our ability to cope with feelings of anxiety. While distress is very common and sometimes unavoidable, the good news is you can enact change by mitigating the negative effects you’re experiencing.

Look for these symptoms of distress:

• Anger/irritability
• Lethargy/fatigue
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feelings of hopelessness or guilt