Stress often gets a bad reputation. It’s seen as something to avoid, something harmful. But the truth is, stress is not inherently negative. In fact, some of the most profound growth in our lives comes from moments of high pressure and adversity. I vividly remember a time in my own life when I was preparing for a career-defining presentation. The stress was palpable—I could feel it in my chest, in my restless sleep. Yet, after weeks of preparation, the presentation went better than I ever expected. The satisfaction wasn’t just in the outcome but in the resilience and confidence I gained through the process.

Science supports this dual nature of stress. The concept of “eustress” describes stress that is motivating and beneficial. It’s the kind that pushes us to meet deadlines, hit personal milestones, or take risks. However, when stress becomes chronic—when we don’t give our bodies and minds a chance to recover—it transforms into distress, which takes a toll on our health. The balance lies in learning to identify which type of stress we’re experiencing and ensuring we create space for recovery. Reflecting on my experience, I realized that managing stress isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about reframing how we see them and giving ourselves grace to rest afterward.