Stress is commonly regarded as something we experience during tough times, but there’s actually a certain degree to which stress can be positive and even an indicator of a healthy and productive lifestyle. Stress from positive experiences is【C1】________to as “eustress”, which is pronounced yoo-stress.

It’s perfectly【C2】_____to feel stressed about big life events, and it’s important that we understand this and not get “stressed about being【C3】__”. When we experience stress, our bodies【C4】__certain stress hormones like adrenaline and Cortisol.【C5】__the excited/ nervous feeling you get right before you go on a rollercoaster: sweaty palms, racing heart, butterflies in your stomach—these are your body’s natural response【C6】__these stress hormones. Our bodies get the same【C7】__when we experience excitement of most any kind,【C8】__excitement over relatively happy events. Short term, these【C9】__of stress hormones can actually be beneficial【C10】__they can increase brain function, improve concentration and【C11】_____feelings of alertness.

However, we【C12】_____need to recharge after the energy spike that stress (even eustress!)【C13】__. If we don’t recharge, or if we misinterpret the signs of stress【C14】__“problems”, we run the risk of becoming “stressed about stress” or【C15】__ourselves to the edge of exhaustion. As a clinical psychologist【C16】__in high-productivity people, many of my clients secretly【C17】__themselves on their high stress level because they think of it as【C18】__that they’re “giving 110 percent”. Certainly, this stress is what【C19】__them to keep achieving at a higher level, at least in the short term.【C20】_____, it can eventually lead to feeling exhaustive and anxious.

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