We are told all the time that stress is bad—a danger threatening health that should be avoided at all costs. But this is an unbalanced view. Not only can stress lead to positive outcomes, positive stress can even be enjoyable. Many of us actively seek it out to feel good! Have you ever tried bungee jumping?
What Is Positive Stress?
If you haven’t read our previous articles on stress, you probably associate it with negative feelings. Stress at work, in a relationship, family stress, or financial pressure can indeed be hard to manage and emotionally draining. You might even feel depleted of energy and, in some cases, depressed.
But this is only part of the story. Stress becomes harmful when it’s chronic—when it lingers without resolution. Chronic stress can indeed cause significant mental and physical strain. However, in many cases, stress is actually a helpful response that enables you to deal effectively with challenges.
When your stress response is activated for a short time to help you overcome a problem—whether it’s preparing for an exam or meeting a tight deadline—it sharpens your focus, increases your energy, and helps you perform. That’s positive stress, also known as eustress.
Seeking Out Positive Stress
Stress doesn’t always have to be avoided—sometimes we chase it! Activities like skydiving or bungee jumping deliver powerful, thrilling stress responses that can make people feel euphoric.
For example, bungee jumpers often describe the moment before the jump as terrifying. But after leaping and reaching the end of the rope, they’re filled with adrenaline, scream in excitement, and often start laughing uncontrollably. This is followed by a powerful feeling of relief and euphoria. Many report feeling “high” for days—and want to do it again.
This is the essence of positive stress: controlled, short-term stress that results in pleasure, satisfaction, or a sense of achievement.
Can Skydiving Relieve Stress?
Some skydiving enthusiasts claim that their sport helps them manage stress. While plummeting from an airplane might sound like the opposite of relaxation, these experiences can offer unexpected mental clarity.
In fact, skydivers often describe their jumps as meditative. There’s intense focus during the freefall, followed by a calm sense of awareness and presence once the parachute opens. This intense moment pulls attention away from daily worries and delivers a psychological reset—powered by the brain’s own chemistry.
The Brain Chemistry of Enjoying Stress
The paradox of enjoying something inherently stressful is rooted in brain chemistry. When you engage in thrilling or intense activities, your brain releases two key substances:
1. Endorphins
Endorphins are your body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, they help reduce stress and increase feelings of pleasure. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain’s reward system—creating a morphine-like high.
2. Dopamine
Dopamine is the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. It reinforces behaviors that make you feel good—whether it’s eating delicious food, enjoying a romantic evening, or accomplishing a difficult goal. Stressful challenges that are successfully overcome (like a jump or a big project) trigger a dopamine release that reinforces confidence and boosts mood.
Positive Stress in Daily Life
Not everyone needs extreme sports to enjoy stress. Everyday situations can also create positive stress. Think of how you feel after completing a tough project, solving a complex problem, or navigating a difficult conversation. That burst of satisfaction and confidence? It’s dopamine in action—your brain rewarding you for overcoming stress.
Even activities like exercise, travel, or creative pursuits can produce positive stress. The key is finding challenges that stimulate growth, without overwhelming your system.
Turn Stress into Strength
Stress is part of life—and that’s not always bad. Positive stress helps you grow, builds resilience, and gives you energy to face future obstacles.
So instead of fearing all stress, learn to differentiate. Avoid chronic, damaging stress—but embrace the kind of stress that challenges you, excites you, and ultimately lifts you up.
Stress, when managed well, can become one of your greatest assets.
