Why a little stress is actually good

Stress is often perceived as a demon, prompting an endless search for newer and fancier ways to eliminate it. What we often overlook, however, is that a little stress — known as eustress — is a powerful force that defines our goals and shapes them meaningfully.
Eustress acts as the micro-motivation we need each day to manage tasks, responsibilities and ambitions. Being overly casual or laid-back can invite chaos and procrastination.
The mild tension before a big day, a job interview, stage anxiety before presenting deeply researched work, relocating to a new place, or learning a new skill — all are examples of good stress that drives the brain to adapt, perform and flourish.
The same applies to deadlines. Even self-set ones generate a mix of fear, excitement and anticipation that produces eustress — often the very push needed to complete work that might otherwise be postponed for weeks, months, or even years.
Most people notice that when they are actively engaged with work or daily chores, they become more attentive and productive.
Completing tasks brings a sense of relief and achievement, fuelling positive energy. That quiet pressure — the 'back-seat driver' stress — has been guiding growth all along.
Traditionally, stress is viewed as something to eliminate entirely. Yet eustress is simply the natural turbulence of life’s journey. Allowing yourself to experience a slightly elevated heartbeat, butterflies in the stomach, or goosebumps is not harmful — it’s healthy. Without this internal thrust, there is no propulsion to move forward.
New challenges stimulate brain growth, refine perspective, strengthen resilience and sharpen problem-solving skills. The real challenge lies in recognising when eustress accumulates and transforms into distress — the harmful kind of stress that interferes with daily life, causing persistent sadness, anxiety, panic, or paranoia over otherwise manageable issues.
A crucial factor is perception. Do we view stress as damaging to health or as a tool to enhance cognitive and creative performance?
When stress is seen as part of the process, the brain prepares itself, responses become sharper and experiences are stored for future challenges. Conversely, believing stress is inherently harmful increases the likelihood of negative outcomes.
A study published in PubMed Central notes that resilient individuals may not perceive stress as damaging and often avoid negative health effects even under high stress.
In contrast, those who believe stress harms their health and experience high stress levels show an increased risk of premature death.
Further research suggests that eustress triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which have anti-ageing effects and promote caregiving behaviour — much like a mother nurturing her newborn despite the immense challenges of motherhood.
The conclusion is simple: instead of obsessing over every trace of stress, we should recognise it as a building block of resilience and strength. Rather than trying to neutralise eustress, channel it — immerse yourself in it, grow through it and emerge stronger.