Live With More 'Eu' and Less 'Dis'

Published: Apr 5, 2004

Application

Stress can be divided into two types: positive and negative. We seem to need a certain amount of stress to keep our energy flowing. It's like gasoline that can drive an engine forward or start a destructive fire.

Want some esoteric words to impress your colleagues?

Try 'eustress' and 'distress' where 'eu' is a prefix of Greek origin meaning 'good' or 'well.' and 'dis' is a prefix of Latin origin meaning, 'apart,' 'asunder,' 'away,' having a depriving, negative or reversing force.

Stories

All I need is a mirror and a clock

I inherited a skin condition from my mother. Outbreaks of eczema and psoriasis are directly proportionate to my stress levels. It's annoying but it sure beats ulcers or high blood pressure.

How does a clock work to our advantage? I use it to measure the amount of sleeping time demanded by my body.

Did you notice I avoided mentioning a weigh scale? Let's not get too personal!

Submitted by: NephewGerry

I don't want to go to school today!

"Mommy, I don't want to go to school today," was the feeble plea.

"Why?" asked mother.

"The students don't like me, the teacher's don't like me and I don't feel well," explained the weak one.

"You must go," was mother's reply.

"But why?"

"For three reasons: firstly, there's nothing wrong with you; secondly, you're just imagining what others think; and finally, you are the principle!"