• Dr. Sangeeta Trama
• Tanupreet singh

Stress is a global phenomenon affecting all spheres of life. Selye (1956) used the term “stress” to represent the effects of anything that seriously threatens homeostasis. It has a profound effect on practical life; it can be both, positive (eustress) and negative (distress). It can be used as the best defensive system of our body. Short-term stress response is functional. “Positive stress or eustress (also called good stress) is when one perceives a stressful situation as an opportunity that will lead to a good outcome.” Occasional stress can help to keep one focused and improve recall, which can be a plus point when cramming and learning or preparing for an important presentation at work or pushing one to as per one’s fullest potential. For instance, some stress can help to fortify the immune system and improve working of heart. Negative stress termed as “distress” has been linked with several negative effects on physiological, cognitive, psycho social, and emotional processes of a human body. The linkages to health and distress have been identified, such as increase in smoking, substance use, accidents, sleep problems, and eating disorders. Stress is a key for survival, but too much stress can be detrimental. Chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and heart disease. It may lead to hindrance in learning, memorizing, and thinking. Hence, stress and dealing with stress is a paradox. It is possible that there is a curvilinear relationship between stress and performance in various domains with too little or too much stress having deleterious effects, and moderate amount of stress be motivating for an individual to overcome problems, and move towards excellence. So, stress is useful and necessary for a person’s growth when in an optimum quantity.

Stress, strain, eustress, distress, health

"POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF STRESS: A PARADOX", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.423-430, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907661.pdf

"POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF STRESS: A PARADOX", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp423-430, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907661.pdf