Positive stress or 'eustress': benefiting from stress

We know by the name of stress to that feeling of tension or threat, caused by various factors that demand a greater demand than we think we can face. These factors, known as stressors, encompass different events in our daily lives. We can feel stress either due to life changes, pressures, tensions, news, frustrations, conflicts, among many other causes.

In fact, stress is not necessarily caused by negative factors. A positive change in our lives, such as a wedding, can generate stress.

Stress: can it be of benefit to us?

When we feel stress, we present a series of physical symptoms. We can have headaches, chest discomfort, frequent fatigue, stomach disorders and insomnia and nightmares.

We can also present psychological symptomssuch as nervous tics, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, phobias and feeling of failure. To these psychic symptoms are added, in severe cases, hair loss, depression, acne, irregular menstruation, among others. The effects of stress could make us sick due to its high degree of

somatization, as it could trigger conditions such as asthma, cause ulcers, colitis or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Managing stress: some basic tips

It is for this reason it is important follow recommendations for managing stress, some of which include the following:

• Relaxation
• Physical exercise
• Better time management
• Break between tasks
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours a day
• Practice hobbies
• Talk to someone you trust
• Listen to music
• Set priorities
• Have a positive mental attitude

Certainly, coping with stress can be a difficult task. However, the benefits that proper stress management can bring us should be taken into account. What's more, stressit is not always negative. Sometimes stress can be of great help to us. It all depends on the way we deal with it. If we do not deal with it properly, we can suffer negative consequences, such as the symptoms and disorders that we have described before. Instead, if we handle it in the right way and have a positive attitude, we can turn it into positive stress.

What is 'positive stress' or 'eustress'?

Positive stress, or eustressIt is that stress that stimulates us to face problems. It allows us to be creative, take initiative and respond efficiently to those situations that require it.

The conversion to positive stress allows us to be full of energy, thus favoring our daily activities. It exceptionally benefits our health since, by channeling stress, we do not feel the tension that would cause us to feel overwhelmed by negative stress. Instead of feeling helpless and failures, positive stress allows us to feel full of life, with energy and, in the event that we succeed in succeeding in those projects that we had in hand, satisfied by the experience.

Benefits of positive stress

But what are the benefits of eustress? Let's get to know them below.

1. Direct handling of the problem

We will be encouraged to solve the problem directly.

2. Positive effect on our health

By managing stress and allowing it to turn into positive stress, we will not feel tense. We will take things more calmly, we will be more relaxed, and we will not present the negative symptoms that distress produces, or negative stress. On the other hand, the energy and vitality that we feel with eustress could be used to involve us in the practice of physical activity, which is beneficial for our health.

3. Greater productive activity

The energy from positive stress will provide greater speed and efficiency when solving or fulfilling certain activities. We will be able to complete them on time, and thus, get involved in more stimulating activities and challenges.

4. Stimulate our creativity

The person will be more creative when dealing with a problem, be it personal or at work. You may have innovative ideas. You will invest your time in a creative and fun way. The results could have a good effect on your mood.

5. We are alert

It allows you to be active to respond to any situation that deserves a quick response. It favors both in studies and at work.

6. Emotional stability

Those who experience positive stress may feel in a greater control your emotions, and you will be able to solve what might concern you more successfully. Having a positive attitude will help you feel better about yourself and your situation.

Let's learn to make stress positive

Positive stress offers many benefits. We can all feel stress at some point in our lives. We have in our hands the option to take advantage of it and use it to our advantage. Why better not assume a positive attitude in the face of a stressful situation? The results of acquiring a positive attitude may surprise you.