The Difference Between Good and Bad Stress

An athlete uses a rush of energy to thrive under pressure. An overworked nurse needs a break after a difficult shift. A student focuses to ace a big test. A young adult can't sleep as they worry about an economic crisis. Though these examples might seem quite different, they all have something in common: stress.

Stress can push people to excel, and it can wear them down. What's the difference? What makes stress healthy or unhealthy?

The difference between good (healthy) and bad (unhealthy) stress has to do with its benefits and costs. In small amounts, stress gives your body a boost to make it work harder. But if your body is stressed for too long or too intensely, it can lead to serious health problems, like heart disease and diabetes.

While the tipping point between good and bad stress varies for each person, you can use these scenarios to reflect on stress in your life.

Good stress is short: When a student has a big test coming up, the stress response triggers, boosting focus. They stay up late at night to study, but stress gives them the energy to keep going. After they're done, their brain relaxes. They get a chance to rest and recover.

Bad stress is too long: When a nurse works long shifts in a busy hospital, the stress response triggers to give them focus and energy to help patients for long stretches of time. This happens shift after shift, sometimes without time off to recover. The stress response doesn't shut off. The nurse starts to feel burnt out and irritable, and is more likely to get sick.

Good stress is motivating: After an athlete prepares for a big race, they're confident in their abilities, but still a little nervous to compete. Hundreds of people are watching. A small stress response triggers, preparing their muscles and focusing them on their form. They run a great race.

Bad stress is overwhelming: For a young adult worrying about work and economic uncertainty, new in their career, they don't know what the future holds. They don't think there's much they can do to protect themselves financially. They feel extreme stress. This can happen every time they read the news. They stop sleeping well, and their health suffers.