Stress is a feeling of emotional or mental strain caused by demanding events.
Everyone experiences stress occasionally, and feeling stress is not always a bad thing. There are three main types of stress that exist across a stress curve.
At the peak of the curve is EUSTRESS: low-level stress that can have positive effects, such as increased focus and motivation. Completing a difficult, but fun task brings on eustress, as does the anticipation of an important event that means a lot to you (ex. a job interview or having a child).
On the left side of the curve, there is a lack of eustress. Periods without any stress, even good stress, can be calming. However, long stretches without any eustress to motivate you can leave you feeling disinterested and unfulfilled.
On the right side of the curve is DISTRESS: brief feelings of frustration, anxiety, or general worry about events. This is what we commonly think of as stress. It is a negative experience, but if experienced in short-intervals, infrequently, it is not harmful.
On the very far right of the curve sits CHRONIC STRESS: the sustained feeling of distress caused by ongoing or systemic experiences. This lack of a break from stress is what leads to burnout. The effects can be severe so we will dedicate time to dealing with chronic stress and burnout.