There is "good stress" (eustress) and "bad stress" (distress)—meaning, you experience certain stressful experiences as unpleasant and seek to avoid them, but others you may actually seek out because they're fun.

 

Your muscles tense, your heart pounds, your respirations increase, and your body stops all of its non-essential processes.This can be pleasantly exhilarating, and for some rather addictive... you might know someone whom you could describe as an "adrenalin junkie."

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A thrill is simply the relinquishing of a bit of control in a setting that feels safe.

 

But when you're in that heightened state of arousal 24/7, stress takes its toll on your body—whether you perceive the stress as "good" or "bad."