1 What is stress?

How much stress is too much?

We have already learned that not all stress is bad. Sometimes stress can help to keep us safe, or motivate us to do something we need to do.

But how do you know when stress stops being helpful, and starts being harmful?

Click on each dot below to learn how stress can help us to be at our best and how it can harm us.

NO STRESS
Bored or depressed
I think I will stay in bed today

INCREASED INTEREST
A tiny amount of stress
I am really trying hard to get motivated.

A GOOD AMOUNT OF STRESS
A good amount of stress
I feel good and motivated. I’m getting lots done and it’s some of my best work.

VERY ANXIOUS
A lot of stress
I feel really stressed, my heart is racing and I can’t concentrate. This is a good time to seek help.

COMPLETE MELTDOWN
Too much stress
This is all too much, I am not doing this – I feel overwhelmed. If you haven’t already it’s important to reach out and ask for help.

NO STRESS
Bored or depressed
I think I will stay in bed today

INCREASED INTEREST
A tiny amount of stress
I am really trying hard to get motivated.

A GOOD AMOUNT OF STRESS
A good amount of stress
I feel good and motivated. I’m getting lots done and it’s some of my best work.

VERY ANXIOUS
A lot of stress
I feel really stressed, my heart is racing and I can’t concentrate. This is a good time to seek help.

COMPLETE MELTDOWN
Too much stress
This is all too much, I am not doing this – I feel overwhelmed. If you haven’t already it’s important to reach out and ask for help.

Remember:

Sometimes when we get stressed it’s our bodies’ way of letting us know we care about something a lot. For example if we are stressed about a netball game it’s because we want to play well and win.