There’s Good Stress and Bad Stress

Different reports from health experts have emphasized that some stress is good for you, and some is bad. But how do you tell the difference? The Center for Creative Leadership has tried to tackle this question; it’s produced a book, “Managing Leadership Stress” , which has helpful advice for everyone who’s under stress, leaders or not.

The good kind of stress – it’s called eustress – acts as a stimulating factor that can contribute to successful leadership, or whatever you are striving to achieve. The risk is that the demands of the task exceed your resources, leading to the bad kind of stress, or distress. If you can recognize which kind of stress you’re experiencing, you can take steps to correct any distress.

Among the tips for managing stress, the following were, I thought, helpful:

1. Know the signs, and pay attention to your body’s response
2. Make it a ritual to take breaks from stress – a short walk, sit in the park . . .
3. Separate work from home, as far as possible
4. Get support from colleagues (and your superiors), friends, family
5. Exercise regularly; it can help you relax and boost your self-esteem, as well as keep you healthy.

While the book is aimed at potential leaders in the business world, stress is universal. Much of the advice given can help everyone who experiences bad stress, or is in danger of eustress tipping over into distress.