Positive stress, otherwise known as good stress or eustress, is the type of stress response that we feel when we get excited. Positive stress can also refer to the times you respond well to a challenge that you experience from a stressor.

I have the impression all Anglophones pronounce contrary with stress on the second syllable (cont-RARE-ee) when applied to a person’s actions or disposition, as in: Mary Mary quite contrary, but it’s nearly always stressed on the first syllable (CONT-rər-ee) in all other contexts.

one syllable

3 syllables

In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), primary stress is indicated by a high vertical line (primary stress mark: ˈ ) before the stressed element, secondary stress by a low vertical line (secondary stress mark: ˌ ). For example, [sɪˌlæbəfɪˈkeɪʃən] or /sɪˌlæbəfɪˈkeɪʃən/.

There are three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Alarm – This occurs when we first perceive something as stressful, and then the body initiates the fight-or-flight response (as discussed earlier).

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.

Stress is a normal physiological and psychological response people develop in response to their circumstances. Eustress is a word used to describe stress that is positive, motivating, and enhances functioning while distress refers to bad and overwhelming stress that impairs functioning.

There are several other methods you can use to relax or reduce stress, including:

• Deep breathing exercises.
• Meditation.
• Mindfulness meditation.
• Progressive muscle relaxation.
• Mental imagery relaxation.
• Relaxation to music.
• Biofeedback (explained below).
• Counseling, to help you recognize and release stress.

In fact, stress can help you accomplish tasks more efficiently. It can even boost memory. Stress is also a vital warning system, producing the fight-or-flight response. When the brain perceives some kind of stress, it starts flooding the body with chemicals like epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol.

Examples of life stresses are:

• The death of a loved one.
• Divorce.
• Loss of a job.
• Increase in financial obligations.
• Getting married.
• Moving to a new home.
• Chronic illness or injury.
• Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem)

The stress response begins in the brain (see illustration). When someone confronts an oncoming car or other danger, the eyes or ears (or both) send the information to the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing.

But stress isn’t always a bad thing. It’s a natural, physical response that can trigger our fight-or-flight response. But if stress is constant over time, it can be detrimental to your health. Preventing stress is important!