Eustress

BUT WAIT!! There's a good side to stress (Eustress)! Good stress can have a positive impact on a person. This form of stress is achieved when the brain and body feel challenged and want to extend itself in order to respond to the situation. This is caused when a person is feeling as though he or she:

1. Has ideas of possible solutions to the challenge ("Look at all these possibilities!");
2. Has the resources (internal and external) to solve the challenge ("I can do it!");
3. Has some control over what's happening ("I have choices!");
4. Has had sufficient rest between his/her challenges.

Biological Response to Eustress
In response to these perceptions, the body releases adrenaline and noradrenaline. Both of these hormones result in heightened perception, increased motivation and even increased physical strength. Eustress extends the person's capacity to function (intellectually, physically, emotionally and behaviourally). But, there is a delicate line between heightened perception and motivation and too much of it, resulting in distress.

Good stress is important in one's life as it acts as an intrinsic motivator: when a person has a little anxiety, a bit of concern, some anticipation and curiosity, it will push the person to want to work, learn and/or study.