When we think about stress it is usual for there to be a focus on the negative feelings and Impact of Distress, rather what we actually thrive on for growth and resilience which is Eustress or positive stress.

What is Positive Stress?

• Eustress is essential to motivate and focus our energy and improves performance.
• This positive stress tends to feel exciting and generally lasts only in the short term well within what we can cope with.
• Although at time uncomfortable, this is a feeling we chose to extend ourselves and grow.
• This is the stress that gets us going and inspires learning.

Why is some stress negative or overwhelming ?

• Distress in contrast is negative stress causing anxiety or concern.
• It can be short or long term, and essentially is understood by us to be outside our coping skills.
• We become overwhelmed and our performance decreases.
• Distress feels unpleasant and at its worst sends us into our survival mode -fight, flight or freeze.

How do we solve for managing distress?

The task for us all and our supports is to find ways to optimise our level of stress to allow for eustress without tipping into distress.

• Know when stress is positive and within your coping capacity. Remember this is unique to you as an individual.
• Invite or choose some stress into your life but not so much to become overwhelmed.
• Know that feelings of stress or anticipation are normal and part of life.
• Know that we need to at times, to opt out of situations or find release from both self-imposed stress or that imposed on us by others.
• Just giving yourself awareness to understand our emotions, growing our emotional intelligence.

Why should I better manage my stress?

Teaching these concepts and supporting each other to better understand how to maintain the balance in their comfort zone is critical. We all need to be prepared for change, and know that care for our inner being is the most important task. Without caring for ourselves we can’t care for others.