1. Good Stress
Stress does not have to characterize purely negative experiences. Even positive experiences are stressful when they bring about extreme change like graduations and weddings. The type of stress associated with these kinds of events in small doses is actually good for your immune system. Also, by experiencing this type of stress, many people actually find it easier to create goals and enjoy healthy outlets for excess energy.
2. Internal Distress
One form of negative stress is called distress. Distress is definitely negative and often results when an individual is facing a constant need to deal with threats, changes, and unfamiliar or unpredictable situations. Basically, the body wants to know what to expect because that is how it feels safest; distress takes place when the body can't find that kind of security.
3. Acute Distress
The experience of acute distress takes place when an individual is coping with a severe stressor that passes quickly. Chronic stress involves stress that an individual endures over a long period of time. Both types of stress can lead to a state of "hyperstress" which takes place when you have to deal with more than you can handle over a long or short period of time.
4. Hypostress
Amazingly, days free of worry and challenges can lead to another type of stress. "Hypostress," which means "an absence" of stress, is a fancy word for extreme boredom. An individual going through this type of stress may feel unchallenged and complacent, without any need or motivation to do anything. This kind of stress can lead to depression if feelings of uselessness result.
5. Useful Stress
Our bodies are keenly aware of the need to do something when we are in a state of eustress; this type of stress is extraordinarily helpful. Eustress gets your body and mind ready for the many challenges that come your way, whether you realize it or not. This kind of stress gives you the strength to deal with whatever situation might be at hand and assists you by helping you make decisions; for example, eustress motivates you to dress appropriately for the climate you're in, invent a solution for a problem, and get yourself to the doctor when you're ill.
