Positive Stress

Often, when we think of stress we think of the effects of negative stress in our life.  However, there is a form of stress that is positive. Positive stress is referred to as Eustress.
Positive stress gives us a feeling of excitement when presented with a demanding situation in an area in which we are comfortable. Positive stress may fill you with energy to tackle the demands of your task. Eustress helps to keep us healthy. It fills us with contentment. 

Positive Stress in the Race Called Life

When a distance runner prepares for a race, he or she trains and anticipates all of the circumstances surrounding race day. Now it is time to line up at the starting area. You are filled with adrenaline. Your heart is beating with anticipation; your brain is racing with the thoughts of your strategies. This is a form of positive stress. And, it makes a good analogy to how positive stress has a positive effect on us.

A job well done, a race well run, joy and excitement that comes with a marriage or birth are all examples of positive stress. Positive stress makes life worth living.