Is It Bad Stress--Or Good Stress

For the past four months, I’ve been extremely busy—and surprisingly energized. New projects are drawing on my strengths, while a demanding performance-management rollout has filled nearly every available hour. I’m slammed, but I don’t feel depleted.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described deep absorption in meaningful work as flow. The productive pressure around it is often called eustress: stress that feels challenging and energizing rather than overwhelming.

The days fly by. Ideas arrive quickly. I feel focused, productive, and useful. I may finish tired, but I’m satisfied rather than drained.

Distress feels different. It can bring repetitive worrying, sweaty palms, and disrupted sleep. Those signals deserve attention: reduce the pressure where possible, make room for recovery, and seek support if they persist.

Even meaningful work can become harmful when the demands never let up. Good stress stretches you and allows you to recover. Bad stress keeps taking.

Eustress is worth seeking—not as an excuse to remain constantly busy, but as a clue to the conditions in which you do your best work. Notice which challenges use your strengths and leave you satisfied rather than depleted.

Try this ONE thing

The next time you say, “I’m stressed,” pause and ask:

• Is this pressure draining or energizing me?

• Can I recover from it?

• Is it affecting my sleep, health, or relationships?

Your answers will tell you whether to lean into the challenge—or step back.

Let’s Connect!

If you’re ready to talk about creating a better, more joyful life—or if you simply want to share your thoughts—leave a comment below, repost this blog, or reach out to me directly. I’d love to hear your story, answer your questions, or help you take the next step toward the life you want. Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to spark real change. Reach out to karen.laidlaw.theONEthing@outlook.com. Until then, enjoy the blog and keep moving forward.