Which term describes stress that is beneficial and motivating?

• A. Eustress
• B. Distress
• C. Fatigue
• D. Anxiety

Answer: (A)

Stress can be positive or negative. When a challenge feels within your ability to manage and actually energizes you, you’re experiencing eustress. This form of stress motivates action, sharpens focus, and can improve performance, helping you grow and meet goals. In contrast, distress is the overwhelming, lingering stress that drains energy and harms health, while fatigue is exhaustion and anxiety is a general state of worry that isn’t the specific positive stress described here. A useful everyday example is preparing for a race or giving a presentation, where you feel alert and driven rather than overwhelmed. So, the term for beneficial and motivating stress is eustress.