We Stressin' Out

Eustress

yo͞oˈstres 

Difference Between Eustress and Distress

Eustress

  • Stress that positively affects you
  • Not a frequent stressor
  • Short-term

Distress

  • Stress that negatively affects you
  • Ongoing stressor
  • Frequent / Long-term

How Stress Affects The Body

MEMORY

Pathophysiologic changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the brain due to stress can cause behavioral, cognitive, and mood disorders. Memory and judgement could be either better or worse (Yaribeygi, 2017).

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Extreme stress can lead to the suppression of the immune system, causing a person to become more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections (Yaribeygi, 2017). 

HEART

Psychological stress can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Stress can indirectly have influence on engaging in risky behaviors that effect the heart, such as smoking and drinking. If not handled soon, stress could lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke (Yaribeygi, 2017).

HYPOTHALAMUS

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that maintains homeostasis, like body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, the release of hormones, sexual behavior, and emotional activity. Adding stress onto the mix of this, could potentially lead the hypothalamus to react in a negative manner (Yaribeygi, 2017).

Examples of Eustress

Starting a new romantic relationship.

Starting a new job.

Learning a new hobby.

Going on vacation.

Riding a roller coaster.

Eustress in College Student's

  • Research shows that stress can be good for learning and that it's the educator's role to make sure there's a balance between stressors and learning by incorporating activities that develop eustress instead of distress. 
  • Eustress has been linked to experimental learning and is considered an important contributor to learning and growth.
  • Students who benefit from academic stress have increased life satisfaction overall and in school.
  • Self-efficiency is an important role in the predictions of students having positive academic experiences. 
  • When you are more hopeful and experience feelings of eustress you will have a greater level of life satisfaction.



Eustress in the Workplace

When you experience eustress in the workplace you have feelings of being extremely focused in a mindful state of challenge. You're paying attention to tasks and being fully present while at work. 

Thriving at Work 

  • Positively related to eustress
  • Engaging in work training and development strategies reduces stress in employess which creates more eustress within them. 

Promotion

  • If you are well-prepared, motivated and confident in your performance you are experiencing eustress

Challenge Stressors

  • Promote positive attitudes and other useful organizational advantages. 
  • It's positive correlated with the motivation to learn, supervisor support, and organizational support.