Stress is an integral part of our life. No one can live without stress. Stress can be beneficial as well as harmful. Stress, as a positive influence, adds excitement and hope, while as a negative influence, it can lead to destructive feelings, anger, and depression. Although the general orientation of stress is to consider adverse outcomes, it should however be observed that experiences of stress can also facilitate the development of effective and varied coping behavior, increase personal resources and lead to a feeling skills in development. Stress at a moderate level is not only unavoidable but can be helpful for physical and mental well-being.
Beneficial stress
It can be mentioned here that stress is not necessarily bad in itself; it has a positive value. It offers an opportunity for potential gain. Stress in a positive context motivates employees to rise to the occasion and perform at their best.
Beneficial stress is called “Eustress”. It can motivate to achieve goals, perform better tasks and complete them. Eustress comes from inspiring, exciting or pleasant situations like receiving a gift, succeeding with good grades, getting a trophy, etc. An event that causes constant worry for one can be a very useful challenge for another. When we are stressed, our awareness, senses and mind are heightened. We know many people who work better under stress because they don’t allow stress to create anxiety in them.
harmful stress
Harmful or negative stress is called “distress.” Generally speaking, people refer to distress when they talk about stress. Distress can lead to physical or psychological overload (breakdown) if it lasts for a long time. Distress can arise in various situations such as accidents, financial loss, loss of parents, failing exams, etc. This can lead to health problems. Let’s take an example.
Eustress and distress can be acute (one time only) or chronic (repeated over time). The sudden sound of a fire alarm can produce acute distress, while living in a noisy industrial community can lead to chronic distress that can be accompanied by physical and emotional problems. Job stress and work stress is a chronic disease caused by working conditions that negatively affect an employee’s performance and health. Work-related stress in the lives of organized workers consequently affects the health of the organization.
Performance and low stress
Stress occurs when we have to work beyond our abilities. This helps us perform better and achieve our goals. If one is not stressed enough, one may find that performance suffers because one is bored and unmotivated. There is a relationship between stress and the quality of performance. If the stress level is low, individuals may find that their performance is poor because they are bored, lack focus and motivation.
Performance and high stress
However, if one is under too much stress, they may find that their performance is negatively affected. It is the excessive stress that causes them to behave inappropriately. If the stress is too high, their performance may suffer from all the symptoms of short-term stress reactions. If not managed properly, it can lead to poor performance, poor health, and conditions such as depression and suicides. You must have realized in many situations in your life that stress, after a limit, causes irritability, fatigue and exhaustion.
Optimal stress levels
It is essential to understand the importance of optimal stress levels and individuals must recognize that they are responsible for their own stress; They must learn to monitor their stress level and adjust it according to the needs of the hour. By effectively managing stress, one can significantly improve the quality of one’s own life. Stress will be pleasant to them when it is perceived as a challenge that solicits their newfound energy and skill.
It is very similar to the accenting of a sitar string. Not enough produces a dull, harsh sound. Too much produces an annoying shrill noise or causes the string to break. However, just the right degree can create gorgeous tones. The zone of best performance corresponds to a moderate level of stress. If the individual is at an optimal level, they will be energized enough to perform well without being overly stressed and unhappy.