Let’s be honest; when you hear the word stress, your body probably tenses up. But what if I told you not all stress is created equal?
There’s a type of stress that actually grows you, strengthens you, and equips you for the next level. It’s called Eustress, and unlike its toxic twin Distress, it might just be the stretch your purpose needs.
Eustress is the good kind of stress, the type that pushes you out of your comfort zone, but not off the cliff. It’s the pressure of preparing for a big presentation, stepping into a leadership role, or starting something new. It sharpens, stretches, and activates growth.
Distress, on the other hand, is overwhelming, exhausting, and usually tied to things that feel out of your control – unrealistic expectations and environments that drain instead of challenge.
Understanding which one you’re in is the difference between a breakthrough and a breakdown. But I can play devil’s advocate by saying, even in distressing situations… your response is ALL THAT MATTERS!
Eustress Moment: Tara’s Story
Let me take you behind the scenes of my “Diary of an Employee” series.
Tara had just been transferred to a new department. Suddenly, she was expected to manage a budget – something she’d never done before. Three months in, 75% of her budget was already spent. She panicked, forecasted a shortfall, and prepared for the worst.
But instead of crumbling, she rose. She defended her department’s needs at the mid-year review, secured more funds, and led her team confidently. That situation didn’t break her. It built her.
That’s eustress.
“Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option.”
2 Corinthians 4:8 TPT
Scriptural Prototypes
David – imagine what would have been going through his mind when he had to face Goliath – a giant that even the finest warriors in Israel were afraid of. Of course, he had killed the lions and the bears but hey, this was a man who was potentially taller than 6 feet! It was different. David leveraged on both his past experience with the lions and bears but most importantly, he knew, that with God on his side… he’d win. And oh boy! Did he win or what? That was eustress in action… but note that the others were actually distressed. Remember… stress is actually your RESPONSE to the situation.
Joshua – he stepped into huge shoes. He was the trusty assistant… the one who was always close to Moses. Now, God had said Moses should rest… and Joshua should take over from a man who had led Israel out of bondage. What big shoes are these? And hey, did it look like Joshua’s role was harder? It was just a stretch you know. He had to leverage God’s word, knowing that God had given them the land… irrespective of how intimidating these nations were, Joshua relied on God. This is also an eustress example. It was a stretch and not a tear!
Esther – the maiden girl, now the Queen of several provinces had the weight of her people on her shoulders. I mean, imagine knowing that “if I don’t act, my people will die. If I act, I might as well die”! Does it not sound distressing to you? But through the support of her community, praying and fasting with her, and also through wisdom, she was able to save her people!
God often stretches us and He elevates us. The key is to discern whether you’re under divine pressure for growth or drowning in self-imposed chaos.
How to Tell If You’re in Eustress or Distress
Here are 4 diagnostic questions:
Do I feel challenged or crushed?
Is this building capacity or breaking me down?
Am I supported or isolated?
Is my body constantly in fight-or-flight, or am I occasionally stretched but bouncing back?
- Did God tell me to do this? This question trumps it all because if He has called you, He empowers you!
Now, what should you do with the insight you receive from the line of questioning above?
If it’s eustress, lean into it. Stretch. Grow. Document the process.
If it’s distress, pause. Reassess. Ask what needs to shift – your mindset, your margin, your method? Remember, stress is closely tied with your response!
“Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 MSG
Sometimes the stress you’re under is simply a sign to sharpen your axe. Inherently, build competency in that area!
Let This Be Your Reset
This week, take inventory:
What stressors are currently stretching you?
Are you resisting the growth?
Is your axe dull?
What habits, support, or skills could help turn your stress into strength?