Stress Management

Page 05

Positive Stress (Eustress):

• Motivational:

  • Eustress is a type of stress that is typically short-term and serves as a positive, motivating force. It can provide the energy and focus needed to meet challenges and achieve goals.

• Enhances Performance:

  • Eustress can enhance cognitive function and performance. It often occurs in situations where individuals are excited, challenged, or engaged in activities they find rewarding.

• Short Duration:

  • Eustress is temporary and tends to occur in situations where individuals feel capable of handling the demands. It is associated with a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

• Improves Resilience:

  • Experiencing manageable stressors can build resilience over time, helping individuals adapt to new situations and cope with future challenges more effectively.

• Positive Emotions:

  • Eustress is often accompanied by positive emotions, such as excitement, enthusiasm, and a sense of achievement.

Negative Stress (Distress):

• Harmful Effects:

  • Distress is characterized by prolonged or overwhelming stress that can have detrimental effects on physical, emotional, and mental health.

• Impairs Functioning:

  • Distress can impair cognitive function, hinder decision-making, and negatively impact overall performance. It is associated with feelings of anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion.

• Chronic Nature:

  • Distress is often chronic, arising from situations that feel uncontrollable or persistently challenging. Chronic distress can lead to burnout and various health issues.

• Negative Physical Effects:

  • Long-term exposure to distress is linked to physical health problems, including cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, and digestive disorders.

• Mental Health Impact:

  • Distress is a significant contributor to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety disorders. It can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

• Emotional Toll:

  • Distress is often accompanied by negative emotions such as frustration, irritability, sadness, and a sense of helplessness.