There are two types of stress: good stress, which is technically termed eustress, and the more common bad stress, called distress. Stress occurs when we have a difference between what we want and what we have. The challenge with stress is that it takes energy and can quickly drain our resources. When we create the perception that we can’t cope, we are at greater risk. This is why it’s helpful to monitor your weekly stress load, and if it’s higher than you like, take action. The longer we experience distress, the greater the risk to our health. Research shows that stress kills when it’s ignored. It makes us sick physically (ulcers, heart attack, stroke) and mentally (anxiety, depression).

One challenge with stress is that when it becomes chronic it can have a negative impact on decision making, goal setting and impulse control. Therefore, it’s helpful to get a base on your stress level and track it weekly to evaluate whether the micro decisions and behaviours you’re engaging in are helping or hurting you.