I have read a number of studies in recent years about good stress.  The basic principle is, while stressful situations are known to take a toll on the body and can lead to things like heart attack, stroke and nervous breakdowns, surprisingly the absence of stress has been shown to lead to these things as well.

Eu-stress

The term was first quoted by endocrinologist Hans Selye based on the Greek prefix for good “eu” so literally good stress.  Eu-stress motivates us to attain a goal and as long as the gap between current state and the desired goal is not too great, it leads to hope and engagement (good feelings).

What happens without it?

Without motivation – (hope and engagement) our bodies can experience similar symptoms to that of bad stress, also known as distress (where the gap between reality and goals is perceived to be too great to resolve).  This can lead to physical ailments and ultimately even death.

Health Impact

Regular exercise with a balanced diet are commonly included as key considerations for a healthy lifestyle.  There is a plenitude of data from many studies of the last decades that have shown this to be true.  Another key aspect of a healthy lifestyle, not so often mentioned, is the importance of goals that are a bit of a stretch but keep you motivated and engaged.

A Fine Balance

Admittedly there is a fine balance between Eu-stress and Distress, and careful management of personal goals is needed to ensure the motivating circumstances do not become overwhelming.  While not always easy to manage, don’t forget the health benefits of maintaining this balance and having some Eu-stress can be as important as exercise and diet.

Relax and Enjoy

Eu-stress, relaxation and the associated enjoyment derived from both things go in combination and the optimal balance will help you to “live long and prosper”.