When most of us think about stress, we immediately picture something negative—tight shoulders, racing thoughts, sleepless nights. It’s no secret that chronic stress can wreak havoc on our health, but not all stress is created equal. In fact, a certain amount of stress can actually be good for us. It can sharpen our focus, motivate us to act, and help us rise to life’s challenges.
Understanding the difference between helpful and harmful stress—and learning how to use it to our advantage—can transform how we experience pressure in everyday life. Instead of trying to eliminate stress entirely, what if we learned how to work with it?
The Two Sides of Stress
Let’s start with a simple truth: not all stress is the same. There’s the overwhelming, burnout-inducing kind we all dread—that’s distress. But there’s also eustress, the kind of positive stress that comes from taking on a challenge, stepping outside your comfort zone, or chasing something meaningful.
Eustress is what helps you prepare for a job interview, stay sharp during a presentation, or power through a workout. It’s the kind of stress that lights a fire under you—in a good way.
On the other hand, distress is what creeps in when there’s too much going on for too long without a break. It’s the kind that makes you feel drained, anxious, and like you’re running on empty.
The difference isn’t just in how it feels—it’s in how we respond to it.
Stress as a Built-In Performance Booster
Stress, at its core, is your body’s way of getting you ready for action. When you sense a challenge, your brain releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Your heart rate goes up, your focus sharpens, and your body gets ready to handle whatever’s coming.
That’s why, in small doses, stress can actually improve your concentration, increase your energy, and help you perform under pressure.
Think about athletes. They don’t shy away from stress—they lean into it. A little pre-game anxiety? That’s focus fuel. A tight deadline at work? Same deal—it’s stress showing up to give you an edge.
The trick isn’t eliminating stress. It’s learning how to recognize the helpful kind—and how to manage the rest.
Rethinking Your Relationship With Stress
One of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is learning to work with stress instead of against it. When we start seeing stress as a challenge instead of a threat, it stops feeling so scary—and starts feeling more like a partner in growth.
Here’s how you can start reframing stress in your life:
1. Connect It to Something Meaningful
Stress usually shows up when you care about something—your job, your relationships, your goals. So instead of focusing only on the discomfort, take a step back and ask: Why is this stressing me out? Chances are, there’s something important behind it.
2. Let It Fuel You
That nervous energy before a big event? Use it. Channel it into preparation, focus, and movement. Sometimes just shifting your mindset from “I’m stressed” to “I’m ready” can make a huge difference.
3. Recognize the Growth
When you look back, a lot of your biggest personal wins probably came after stressful situations. Whether it was starting something new, making a big change, or facing a tough moment, stress usually shows up right before growth.
Making Stress Work for You
Now that we know stress isn’t always the enemy, here are a few ways to keep it on your side:
– Take Care of Your Body
Your body handles stress better when it’s supported. That means regular movement, enough sleep, real food, and hydration. These basics go a long way in helping your system bounce back after a stressful moment.
– Slow It Down
Deep breathing, meditation, or even a short walk can calm your nervous system in real time. You don’t have to do anything fancy—just take a few slow breaths when you feel the pressure rising.
– Tackle One Thing at a Time
Big problems are overwhelming. Break them down. Tackle the first step. Then the next. You’ll be surprised how momentum replaces anxiety.
– Talk It Out
Sometimes the best way to manage stress is to simply share it. Whether it’s a friend, a partner, or a therapist, speaking the stress out loud helps it feel more manageable—and reminds you that you’re not alone.
When Stress Crosses the Line
While some stress is good, it’s important to know when it’s becoming too much. If you’re feeling constantly exhausted, anxious, irritable, or like you can’t focus, your body might be telling you it needs a break.
Other red flags: disrupted sleep, frequent headaches, or feeling emotionally numb. If you’re noticing those signs, don’t ignore them. Burnout is real, and rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.
Talking to a mental health professional can help you untangle what’s going on and find healthy ways to manage it. There’s no shame in needing support.
Why This Matters—Especially Now
We live in a world where stress is a daily companion. From job pressures and financial worries to family responsibilities and social media overload, the average person is carrying a lot. But instead of trying to avoid stress altogether, we can get smarter about how we handle it.
This is especially important in high-impact careers like social work, nursing, or counseling—fields where people are constantly supporting others while managing their own stress. Many individuals in these professions pursue a fast track MSW program to gain the tools and qualifications to help others, but also to understand how to manage stress in healthy, sustainable ways.
Learning how to work with stress isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in a world that doesn’t slow down.
