We have all heard that stress is unhealthy right? When we think of stress we think of distress, something that is negative and we need to manage it as much as possible.
I am certain we all have had experience with the bad stress, the type that generates symptoms and diseases to put our physical, mental and emotional health at risk.
Stress is a feeling we have grown to fear
Yep - stress is bad…
But is it?
Is there an upside to freaking out - can we add a bit of sparkle to our stress?
Stress can actually be positive and here is how you can freak out with a sparkly outcome.
Firstly, the primary goal of stress is survival. Now in my mind it is quite a good thing to stay alive…so stress seems to be protective in that it channels everything in your body to get out of a not so great situation. And keep breathing.
Secondly stress is a fabulous daily motivator. It gets you up and going. It boosts your brain power - so you are more productive and can concentrate. So stress not only gets you out of bed each morning, it all helps you meet your daily challenges and to reach your goals.
Thirdly it make’s us more resilient - yep it makes future stressful situations easier to manage. So if we practice stress on smaller situations we get really good at managing it. Think of stress like life's personal trainer—tough at first, but soon you’re bench-pressing chaos like a pro.
Stress is vital for a healthy life. It is not all unhealthy.
So how do you know if its good or bad stress?
Well bad stress exhausts you, wears you out, leaves you a jittery, uptight and anxious mess. You are definitely not performing at your best. Bad stress is distress — when things have become chronic and we no longer feel like we have control.
Good stress 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. Like riding a rollercoaster, watching a suspense movie or a first date with someone who makes your heart flutter.
Good stress is you functioning at optimal levels of stimulation - you are doing something demanding but enjoyable like retiring, starting a new job, being involved in a sporting event particularly that “just before” feeling.
Good stress has much better outcomes and benefits our mind and body.
Here is the interesting bit - what ultimately distinguishes good and bad stress is how you feel about it.
People with a positive stress mindset see stress as life’s way of saying, 'Game on!' Instead of crumbling, they channel that buzz into crushing deadlines, solving problems, and discovering new opportunities—basically turning lemons into energetic, laser-focused lemonade.
Think of stress as your inner hype coach: it lights that fire in your belly, fuels your motivation, and sharpens your focus. Plus, let’s not forget, it’s the same system that keeps you alive—like your body’s version of a smoke alarm. (Though, unlike your smoke alarm, it doesn’t scream at you over burnt toast.)
The trick?
Find the sweet spot. That magical zone where stress keeps you alert, motivated, and thriving, without sending you into full-on meltdown mode. Treat it as a challenge, not a problem, and let stress be your slightly intense but well-meaning personal trainer.
Freak out and sparkle.
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