SIGNS OF EUSTRESS

Clearly, an absence of the signs and symptoms of distress indicates that you are not suffering the bad effects of stress. The signs of eustress paint a picture of how you might feel when you are harnessing the positive aspects of the stress response. You might feel and appear;

Euphoric, stimulated, thrilled.

Excited Helpful, understanding, sociable, friendly, loving, happy Calm, controlled, confident

Creative, effective, efficient

Clear and rational in thought, decisive

Industrious, lively, productive, jolly, often smiling

Looking at the lists and thinking about your own experience, it is striking how many different signs there are. This is because the stress response involves so many body organs and activities. The important point about being aware of the signs and symptoms of the stress response is to take heed of them. Learn to read your body and if you detect too many signs and symptoms ask yourself why they are there; what is causing them? If you can identify the causes then take steps to deal with them. It may be that you have been working long hours dealing with too many demands, in which case your body is telling you to slow down and rest; you need to recover, time to recharge your batteries and restore the balance. Not heeding the warning signs and taking appropriate action can lead to the ugly side of stress; for example heart attacks, burn-out and depression.