Some stress is beneficial

Not all stress is detrimental; “Eustress” is a form of stress that is beneficial for the mind or body. Stress is a necessary condition for growth and development. Activities like exercising, studying or deliberate practice are all kinds of stress, but they are intentional ways of increasing our current capabilities. In lieu of positive forms of stress, our mind and body atrophy: muscles weaken, minds dull, and skills fade.

The key to positive stress is appropriately selecting activities within your specific capability range. If you are attempting something too difficult or not within your current capability range, it will not be a positive stress. Going too far on either end of this range will result in poorer returns on energy invested.

Thus, what qualifies as eustress will vary widely from person to person. There is no universal standard. A marathon runner may find joy in a long daily run, while the same experience might overwhelm someone new to fitness. The impact of stress depends on context, experience, and perception: what fosters growth for one may hinder another.