<p>It sounds like you're looking for the word <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustress" rel="nofollow">"eustress"</a> or "good stress". Which isn't exactly a label of stress, which as commented is negative, but a positive perception of stress. </p>

<p>My favorite go to example is the positivity often associated with, "challenge accepted!" Here we have a change that is often motivational, difficult, and identifiable as worthwhile. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-19T18:57:40.237Z
2016-02-19T18:57:40.237Z
Reed Rawlings
<p>I have been researching the differences between stress and anxiety to understand them for my own curiosity. My basic understanding is that stress is a variation from routine or something that upsets your normal balance while anxiety is worry about something when there is no stressor.</p>

<p>My question, then, is this: if stress is caused by change to normal routine, would a good change with only positive effects still be considered stress? For example, going on vacation. The travel could certainly be stressful (or perhaps just anxious), but once a person arrives, lets assume they have a very good, relaxing stay. Could this be considered a stress since it is a change from the normal routine, despite having no negative effects?</p>

<p>I admit that most likely the answer lies in a misunderstanding I have about the definition of stress, but I am curious...</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-10T15:31:56.120Z
Stress is essentially something that causes mental strain... The definition of the word leaves no room for positive connotation to it. Hence the idea of positive stress may not exist.
Mena Labib
<stress><anxiety>
Can a positive change result in positive stress?
Tim
# Can a positive change result in positive stress?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-10)

I have been researching the differences between stress and anxiety to understand them for my own curiosity. My basic understanding is that stress is a variation from routine or something that upsets your normal balance while anxiety is worry about something when there is no stressor.

My question, then, is this: if stress is caused by change to normal routine, would a good change with only positive effects still be considered stress? For example, going on vacation. The travel could certainly be stressful (or perhaps just anxious), but once a person arrives, lets assume they have a very good, relaxing stay. Could this be considered a stress since it is a change from the normal routine, despite having no negative effects?

I admit that most likely the answer lies in a misunderstanding I have about the definition of stress, but I am curious...

**Tags:** stress, anxiety

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Stress is essentially something that causes mental strain... The definition of the word leaves no room for positive connotation to it. Hence the idea of positive stress may not exist.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-02-19. Score: 2

It sounds like you're looking for the word ["eustress"](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustress) or "good stress". Which isn't exactly a label of stress, which as commented is negative, but a positive perception of stress.

My favorite go to example is the positivity often associated with, "challenge accepted!" Here we have a change that is often motivational, difficult, and identifiable as worthwhile.


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