What category does Eustress belong to?

Eustress belongs to the "Concepts" category in personal knowledge management and productivity.

What are the key topics related to Eustress?

Key topics related to Eustress include: stresses, psychology, performance, motivations, well-being.

Eustress

Q: What are alternative names for Eustress?

Eustress is also known as: Positive stress, Good stress, Beneficial stress.

Positive stress that motivates, focuses energy, and improves performance.

Also known as: Positive stress, Good stress, Beneficial stress

Category: Concepts

Tags: stresses, psychology, performance, motivations, well-being

Explanation

Eustress (from Greek 'eu' meaning good) is positive stress that feels exciting rather than threatening. Coined by endocrinologist Hans Selye, it describes stress that enhances function, is short-term, and feels within our coping abilities. Examples include: starting a new job, preparing for a performance, learning a challenging skill, or meeting an exciting deadline. Eustress triggers the same physiological responses as distress (increased heart rate, cortisol release) but is interpreted differently by the brain - as challenge rather than threat. Key characteristics: it's perceived as within coping abilities, feels exciting rather than threatening, improves performance and focus, and is typically short-term. For knowledge workers, reframing stress as eustress when possible (seeing challenges as growth opportunities) can transform the experience from depleting to energizing.

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