Not all stress is bad for us; in fact, some stress can be helpful for completing important projects, studying for an exam, speaking in public, or accomplishing challenging goals.
On the other hand, distress or negative stress is the type of stress that can cause short- or long-term anxiety, decreased performance and lead to poor mental and physical health.
Distress can be caused by many factors that differ for everyone. It is important to recognize the things in your life that cause distress, so you can come up with a plan to manage or cope with or view situations differently.
Look at events or triggers from a different angle. Consider “Is there another way to look at this situation?” and remember it’s not helpful to focus on what cannot be changed. Try to improve your mood by looking at what is going well in life. Focus on your accomplishments or what you have overcome.