Eustress vs. Distress… What Does It Mean?

When we talk about your health and the enjoyment of your life weighed against the stress required to run your own business, what we’re really talking about is eustress vs. distress.

They’re two different forms of stress, and stress is what today’s blog is all about. Because particularly in a market like this one, stress is a major issue for real estate agents.

But here’s the main thing you need to take away from this blog: as a real estate agent, or a human being in general, stress is unavoidable. The type of stress you experience is what makes all the difference.

Thanks, Tom, but that still doesn’t really explain what eustress is…

Fair point. We’re going to define eustress clearly, explain why eustress is good for you, look at its opposite, and show you how to shift from distress into a healthier, more productive state of stress.

But first, we need to establish the full scope of what we’re dealing with.

What Is a Stressor?

At the most basic level, a stressor is anything that causes a state of strain or tension.

As a real estate agent, you probably have no shortage of stressors in your life. Deadlines, clients, negotiations, financial pressure. So why does this distinction matter?

Because strain and tension are not automatically bad.

Strain and tension are what you put your body through when you exercise, making yourself stronger, healthier, and more resilient. But they are also what happen to your body during illness, injury, or prolonged anxiety. The difference is the type and intensity of the stress.

Stress exists on a spectrum. You need stress to get things done and live a purposeful life. You just need the right kind, in the right amount, at the right time.

What Is Distress?

Distress is the destructive form of stress. It is stress that has become overwhelming, chronic, and unproductive.

This response originally evolved to help humans survive immediate danger. Today, that same response is triggered by inboxes, notifications, and constant pressure. Our bodies and minds were never meant to live in that state long term.

Do any of these sound familiar?

  • Constant anxiety or worry
  • Exhausted in the morning and restless at night
  • Low motivation to make calls or meet new people
  • Cravings for junk food or sugar
  • Brain fog and difficulty focusing
  • Feeling like the pressure never lets up

If you said yes to one or more, you’re likely living in a state of distress. Left unchecked, distress can lead to serious long-term health consequences and a lower quality of life.

If stress is a spectrum, though, there has to be a better option.

What Is Eustress?

So, what is eustress? Eustress is the positive, productive form of stress that motivates you instead of draining you.

The simplest way to understand eustress meaning is this: it is stress that energizes, sharpens focus, and pushes you forward in a healthy way.

Eustress does not create negative health consequences. In fact, people experiencing eustress often exercise more, eat better, and make smarter decisions because they feel motivated rather than overwhelmed.

It pulls you out of your comfort zone in an exciting, purposeful way. Instead of fear and anxiety, eustress creates momentum, clarity, and a sense of challenge that feels worth pursuing.

People do not succeed without stress. What separates high achievers is their ability to tap into eustress instead of living in distress.

That leads to the real question.

How do you shift the balance?

Tapping into Eustress, Tip 1: Learn Something New

This year has been off to a CRAZY start. I’ve been traveling, launching new business ventures, working with coaching members daily, and still staying present for my family.

At the same time, I’ve been learning Spanish.

That might sound counterintuitive, but learning keeps your brain in a state of growth rather than threat. In Zen Buddhism, this is called Beginner’s Mind.

You do not need to learn a language. Learning something that supports your business is even better. This site is packed with real estate agent tools and resources designed to do exactly that.

Whether it’s hosting better Open Houses, mastering Geo farming, or improving Direct mail, learning something new keeps stress in the eustress zone.

Tapping into Eustress, Tip 2: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

But Tom, if I’m already stressed, won’t pushing myself make it worse?

It depends on why you are pushing yourself.

If you are repeating the same habits without support or direction, stress can turn into distress. But stepping outside your comfort zone for growth, inspiration, and connection is one of the fastest ways to experience eustress.

That is why Tom Ferry events exist.

Events allow you to meet new people, focus on the present, gain perspective, and absorb the energy of people who are moving forward.

That environment naturally shifts stress from fear-based to growth-based.

Tapping into Eustress, Tip 3: Take Your MEDSS

If you’ve followed my content for any length of time, you’ve heard this before. It matters enough to repeat.

Your MEDSS are foundational:

  • Meditation
  • Exercise
  • Diet
  • Sleep
  • Supplements

At a biological level, stress is driven by dopamine and cortisol. Eustress is associated with healthy dopamine levels and manageable cortisol. Distress is what happens when cortisol stays elevated and dopamine is depleted.

Good dopamine comes from completing meaningful tasks and solving problems. Bad dopamine comes from shortcuts like junk food, excessive screen time, or unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Practices like meditation, movement, quality nutrition, and adequate sleep reduce cortisol and restore balance.

Robert Butler of the National Institute on Aging once said, “If exercise could be packaged in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.”

Research from Rutgers University found that regular meditation can reduce cortisol levels by up to 50 percent.

If you want to move from distress into eustress, start by adjusting your morning routine and committing to the basics.

Eustress vs. Distress: It Is a Choice

When you compare and contrast eustress with distress, the difference comes down to how stress is managed and interpreted.

The type of stress you experience is shaped by your behaviors. If you feel anxious but never change your routines, expand your skills, or care for your body, distress becomes the default.

Real change requires consistency across learning, environment, and fundamentals. When those align, stress becomes fuel instead of friction.

And if you need help creating that shift, you know where to find us for your free real estate coaching consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eustress

What is eustress?

Eustress is a positive form of stress that increases motivation, focus, and energy, helping you grow and perform at a higher level without harming your health.

What does eustress mean?

Eustress means beneficial stress that challenges you in a constructive way and supports long-term productivity and well-being.

How is eustress different from distress?

Eustress energizes and motivates, while distress overwhelms and drains you. The difference lies in how stress is managed and whether it supports growth or creates chronic strain.

Why is eustress good for you?

Eustress encourages healthy behaviors, improves resilience, and helps you stay engaged with meaningful goals instead of feeling stuck or burned out.

Can stress ever be healthy?

Yes, stress can be healthy when it exists as eustress, providing just enough challenge to promote learning, focus, and personal growth.