5 Ways to Overcome the Aftereffects of Eustress
Divya S Bisen
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Posted Jan 12, 2026
Eustress inspires yet drains; this guide blends wisdom and science with 5 recovery practices for clarity, balance, and resilience. Wisdom + science for clarity
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Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
5 Ways to Overcome the Aftereffects of Eustress
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Jun 19, 2025
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The “Productive Stress might make you sick, and how to handle it.
Have you heard about a kind of stress that feels positive, energizing, and even exciting? Yes, you heard it right. Stress that is productive and enthusiastic.
We usually consider stress as something bad and negative, stress that is the outcome of deadlines, conflict, and burnout. But there’s another type of underlying stress that shows up every day, and still, it doesn’t feel bad at all.
It often feels productive.
It’s known as eustress, or “good stress” or “constructive stress”
While it might feel good in the moment, it can still create a negative impact on your body if you’re not careful.
Let’s discuss what eustress is, how it affects your nervous system, and how to stay healthy when life gets busy, even with “good” stress.
So what is eustress, exactly?
Eustress is the kind of stress that keeps you alive and enthusiastic. It helps you come out of your comfort zone and chase your desired goal. The excitement before a big presentation. The butterflies, while planning your dream wedding. The thrills you feel before launching a new project.
It keeps you focused, sparks creativity, and helps you face any challenge without giving up.
But the truth no one tells you:
Even positive stress can hurt your mind and body, especially if you don’t give yourself time to recover.
Your nervous system can’t differentiate between “I’m excited!” and “I’m overwhelmed.”
It only knows that you’re on high alert.
How Eustress Impacts Your Nervous System
Whenever you’re “on,” whether you are excited or nervous, your body triggers the same stress response:
Cortisol rises
Your heart rate increases
Digestion slows
Sleep patterns shift
In short, your body reacts to eustress in the same manner that it does to distress. How you feel about it makes the difference. But physiologically, your nervous system can’t always discover if you’re running from a bear or chasing your dream.
So your system never really shuts down. If you’re constantly in high-productive mode, even for things you love.
Why “Good Stress” Still Needs Recovery
Eustress is highly motivating but can be harmful in the long run if ignored. It’s not sustainable in the long run and may lead to :
· Fatigue that persists even after sleeping.
· Sugar and caffeine cravings
· Digestive issues or IBS
· Mood swings, anxiety, irritability
· Wired-at-night, tired-in-the-morning sleep cycles
Why eustress is the result of “success”
In comparison to burnout, eustress often gets praised.
“You’re doing fabulous! You’re doing too much !”
“You’re amazing, how do you handle all this?”
And we keep going, wearing a smile on our faces because everyone is chasing appreciation.
Because it doesn’t feel like something’s wrong. It feels like the non-stop, impulsive work is the way to success.
Until your body asks you to stop.
Signs You Might Be Overdoing It
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It’s easy to overlook the warning symptoms of eustress, especially when you’re enjoying what you’re doing. Bring to your notice if you have:
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Headaches or muscle tension
Digestive issues
Feeling “wired but tired”
Mood swings or increased anxiety
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, then it’s time to slow down- even if you’re loving the work.
How to overcome Eustress without giving up your dreams
Eustress is essential for growth as it’s highly productive. Don’t try to eliminate it.
You’ll always have moments of challenge, ambition, and intensity. You only need to set yourself up for recovery, mentally and physically.
Here’s where to start:
1. Schedule short intervals:
Mark it in your calendar, set your alarm, and consider it a VIP meeting. Even if it’s a five-minute walk, or a nap, or a much-needed revitalising music session, set a reminder for it. Health should be a priority.
2. Schedule recovery, not just rest
Recovery isn’t just lying on the couch or sleeping till 11.00 a.m., but it’s intentional restoration.
You can feel good by:
Short, screen-free walks
“No plan” blocks in your calendar
Slow, leisurely mornings without rush.
Free evenings without any technology.
Simple Breathwork before meals.
Rest isn’t a badge to be earned.
It has to be protected to keep you alive.
3. Move Your Body — Gently
You don’t have to run a race or win a trophy in a national championship. Just small moves like dancing while cooking, doing some yoga, or taking a stroll may help.. Movement helps your body shake off stress.
4. Protect Your Sleep at any cost
The human body needs 7–8 hours of sleep. Aim for a deep sleep at night. If you’re struggling, try a wind-down routine: dim lights, no screens, maybe a silly bedtime story, read a good book(trust me, it works).
5. Connect and Laugh
Friends are the best companions. Call a friend, share your wins and worries, highs and lows, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. (Did I just put my keys in the fridge? Yep.)
Redefine what success feels like
What if success isn’t about how much you can handle?
What if success is knowing when to pause?
Repeat this when you need to:
“I’m doing well, and I still need rest.”
Both can be true.
Good stress also needs good rest
Eustress is amazing. It keeps us motivated and guides us towards a successful path. It keeps us alive, but even a rollercoaster needs a break between rides.
We believe in ignoring our bodies unless something is alarming.
But you don’t need to be burned out to start healing. Just manage your stress a little by doing what you love to do, except for your motivational work.
So next time, while taking the ride of excitement, give your body a chance to breathe, rest, and celebrate because it’s the temple where your soul exists. Make your body happy and healthy, no matter how thrilling your life is.
Even when life feels good, ask yourself:
Am I giving myself time to recover from all this doing?
That simple self-analysis might be your biggest turning point.
Because the most sustainable kind of success is the one that includes your well-being.
If this resonated…
Follow me for more writing on mental wellness, emotional recovery, gentle care for yourself, health, and sustainability.
Or leave a comment, I’d love to hear how eustress shows up in your life.
About me:
I’m a wellness copywriter and content strategist helping conscious brands and coaches speak to the nervous system, not just the mind.
Words that educate. Stories that heal.
I am open to content collaborations or copy projects.
Join me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/divya-singh-bisen-602bb82a6