EB Blog

Toxic Stress vs Healthy Stress: How To Know The Difference

Christine Greer, Middle School Dean
Did you know that not all stress is bad? Some stress can be motivating and can help us perform better, while other stress can be harmful and overwhelming. 
With the various pressures of school, social life and family, many adolescents struggle with stress.

In Middle School Advisory this month, students learned how it can be helpful to think of a stress spectrum, ranging from healthy to toxic stress. 

Healthy stress is similar to the feeling you get before a big test or presentation. It motivates you to prepare, focus, and do your best. This kind of stress can push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow and learn. It's temporary, and once the event is over you feel a sense of accomplishment and relief.

Toxic stress is similar to the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed by excessive academic pressure, bullying, or a demanding social environment. This type of stress can be harmful and affect your well-being. It may lead to feelings of anxiety & self-doubt. Toxic stress can hinder your ability to focus, negatively impact your mental health, and hinder your overall academic performance.

Find out more about healthy stress vs. toxic stress from this Advisory presentation we discussed in class. You can also watch the video below which spotlights how college athletes deal with stress and work through it to win championships.

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