The Myth Of The ‘Good’ Stress

Good stress, also called “Eustress”, is usually considered as good or even conducive influence. ‘Eu’ means ‘good, well’, occurring chiefly in words of Greek origin, ‘Stress’ on the other hand means ‘tenseness, strain’.

Eustress is also designated as stressor which raises attention and even maximizes productivity without harming the body. Many people use Eustress as motivator, in order to accomplish chores and duties; something like a kick in the rear that pushes them to snap out of their complacency.

Admittedly, Eustress raises the awareness for action. However, the question remains as to whether the effects of Eustress are indeed only positive, or is that just a myth? It is a fact that Eustress like negative Stress produce adrenaline in the body.

In general, the body produces adrenaline to overcome dangerous situations, unusually heavy physical stress and the usual coping with daily chores.

Adrenaline raises Performance and Awareness but also the Aggressiveness of a Person.

The issue to be resolved is what causes are behind Eustress? What is the cause that makes the organism produce adrenaline? For example, persons that imagine a certain stress situation are actually producing adrenaline. The same goes for a runner that needs high energy; or a sports fanatic whose blood shoots right into his head. Production of adrenaline has always a special or significant event as cause.

Eustress or Mania?

Another factor that has to be clarified is manic behavior. Especially maniacs are world champs that experience euphoria, happiness and stress at the same time.

It should be remembered that the well-being sets in only after the Eustress-phase has passed – then, when an important task has been accomplished. Eustress has the effect on many people that overcome their fears and their breakdown of self-esteem only for a short time which can lead to a very relaxed and peaceful condition (Vagotonia).

Eustress is a Motivator – that is clear. Is it also healthy?

Many researchers have different opinions on that. Dr. Alex Loyd considers all stress as unhealthy, because it always gives oneself a good feeling when under strain. That means that stress is the basis of Eustress. Hence, we should ask ourselves whether we need stress or Eustress as motivator, and how we subsequently develop a passive attitude.

It is by far more important to have a consciousness for action without the need of motivation. Simply just do something, easy way and cheerfully – no stress. Full of joy and harmony – carried along by optimism that may lead us to the gates of creativity! A consciousness that does not need a kick but is strong within by its own presence.

I call for making people more capable, not necessarily more motivated. A motivated person is not necessarily more competent. We as coaches are interested in ourselves as well as our clients to transform into a higher and inquisitive consciousness which is independent of exterior motivation and exists in itself and acts in itself.

Your suggestions and comments are always very welcome.

Stress-free Living Ahoi,

Manfred Kramer

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Word of the day:

‘The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience’.

Harper Lee, b. 1926

American Novelist