“I’m Stressed!”: Why Stress Can Be A Good Thing

Maryna Svitasheva, PhD, RP

March 18, 2025

Stress is a normal emotional and physiological reaction to situational challenges. It can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. However, the way we respond to stress makes a significant difference to our overall well-being.

Stress Reactions

When we are stressed, we feel emotionally and physically different. We may find it difficult to concentrate, feel irritable or anxious, or experience headaches, muscle pain, an upset stomach, or trouble sleeping. Our eating habits may change—most people have heard of “emotional eating” or losing weight due to stress. A stress reaction includes changes in hormone balance, leading to sweating, rapid breathing, and muscle tension, which can be seen as preparation for taking action.

Stress and action are closely connected: stress can be considered a “helper” in short-term challenging situations where effort is required.

Since challenges are a constant part of life, stress occurs frequently as well. We are naturally designed to assess danger and actively respond to it. Therefore, a certain amount of stress is a normal part of daily life. Stress (along with anxiety) helps us meet deadlines, prepare for presentations, stay productive, and arrive on time for important events.

However, stress is also an extremely energy-consuming state. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that you have time to rest and restore your energy levels.

It is beneficial to recognize when you are stressed and to know how and when you will recover. A natural cycle of tension and relaxation - stress and restoration - is a normal part of life and is not necessarily harmful.

Stress VS. DISTRESS

Stress helps us manage challenges. But what happens if the challenge persists, your emotional resources are depleted, and the problem remains unresolved?

In this case, stress turns into distress, which negatively impacts mental and physical health and requires special attention.

Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, sleep problems, and chronic pain. It also raises the risk of medical conditions such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, a weakened immune system, difficulty conceiving, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

Can we live a life without stress?

Doctors often advise people to "avoid stress." But how? Completely avoiding stress is impossible.

However, it is possible to periodically reassess your daily routine, general lifestyle, and the magnitude of your challenges, especially the balance between your goals and available resources.

Stress itself is not dangerous as long as you maintain a balance between stress and recovery. Make sure you have individual strategies for rehabilitation, such as sports, hobbies, quality social interactions, short trips, travel, spa treatments, and other activities. Physical activities are particularly beneficial since stress is a psycho-physiological state.

In many cases, speaking with a mental health specialist can help you determine whether you are doing enough to prevent distress or if you need additional support to restore your mental balance.