How Much Stress Is Too Much Stress—And Why You Often Don’t Notice Until It’s Too Late

Most of us know what stress feels like—It’s that uncomfortable feeling you get before an important task, a challenge, or a threat. But here’s the thing: Not all stress is bad.

What Is “Good” Stress?

Everyone has experienced stress at some point in their lives, it’s practically impossible to avoid. It is simply a natural reaction of our body to uncomfortable situations and experiences. 

But not all stress is the same. There’s ‘bad stress’ and ‘good stress’—also known as eustress, which pushes you to deal with your stressors— finish your assignments, show up on time, or prepare for that job interview. 

Your body is built to handle short bursts of pressure so you could stay on top of things. The problem starts when eustress gets too much and turns into the regular stress that we’re all familiar with. This chronic stress starts to affect your mental and physical health. 

When Stress Stops Being Useful

Stress is only good for you in short doses. The problem starts when it lingers and becomes something else. That uneasy, uncomfortable, and restless feeling starts affecting your sleep, mood, behaviour, and ultimately your mental health. Over time, chronic stress can also cause physical problems such as digestive issues, heart problems, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and appetite changes. 

The worst part? These signs are very easy to ignore or get used to, but they can quickly spiral into something much more serious. 

Why We Don’t Notice Until It’s Too Late

Modern life rewards being “on” all the time. Working late, skipping meals, pushing through burnout—these things are often seen as signs of dedication. 

Stress becomes a badge of honour, and we don’t notice the signs because everyone else seems to be doing the same thing.

You tell yourself, “It’s just a rough patch.” Or, “Things will calm down soon.” But days blur into weeks, weeks turn into months. You adjust to the stress. You forget what it feels like not to be stressed.

How to Spot the Tipping Point

Stress becomes harmful when it stops being a temporary response and starts becoming a permanent state. 

So, how do you know where that line is? Start by noticing patterns. Are you waking up tired? Snapping at small things? Struggling to focus? Try keeping track of your sleep, mood, energy, and physical symptoms. Write them down. Even once a week helps. Over time, you’ll see what’s changing—and what isn’t.

Ask yourself one question: Is this stress helping me get things done, or is it hurting me?

What You Can Do About It

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to manage stress. Small, steady changes go a long way.

• Take breaks – No scrolling, no multitasking. Just give yourself five quiet minutes of peace. Attune with yourself and your energy.
• Set work limits  – If your work timings are 9 am to 5 pm, stop work at 5 pm. A schedule helps you stay true to yourself.
• Move your body  –  Walk, stretch, dance. Do anything that gets you out of your head. Notice the little things in your surroundings as you do these activities; mindfulness paired with physical exercise can do wonders for your mental health.
• Eat regularly  – Eat 3 balanced meals a day, at proper timings. Missing meals or skipping nutrition can deprive your brain and body of essential nutrients that they need to function properly and handle stress.
• Prioritise sleep  – Sleep is non-negotiable. Your body can recover faster, and your brain flushes out toxins when you get at least 8 hours of deep, restful sleep.
  

Sometimes stress gets too much to handle on your own. In such cases, a mental health professional such as a therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist can help you get on the right track. 

In Closing

Stress can help you grow—until it holds you back. It can quietly affect your mood, cognition, health, and relationships, often without you even noticing. If you feel like you aren’t able to handle it on your own, reaching out for professional help is a strong and healthy choice.