eustress

noun

eu·​stress ˈyü-ˌstres 

: a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being

… during positive stress ("eustress"), such as a promotion or vacation, feel-good chemicals called endorphins are released.

—Tracy Boyd

Examples of eustress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Psychologists call it eustress, the positive form of stress that pushes us to grow without breaking us. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Even taking on a new responsibility at work — like leading a team or managing a major project — can bring eustress. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Unlike chronic distress, eustress enhances performance and resilience. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Positive stress, or eustress, can be exciting and motivating. — Cheri Rainey, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

For the first step of the October theory, use the last few days of this month to acknowledge your eustress and harness it. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

There is a Goldilocks rule of stress (called eustress) in which just enough can be best. — Tracy Brower, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

eu- + stress entry 1

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

eustress

noun

eu·​stress ˈyü-ˌstres 

: a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being