Good stress: It is widely acknowledged that stress is detrimental to our health and it is advisable to make efforts to effectively control it.
According to Richard Shelton, MD, who holds the position of vice chair for research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alabama Birmingham, becoming agitated or upset {health.com} is not necessarily negative. Ultimately,https://www.health.com/condition/stress/5-weird-ways-stress-can-actually-be-good-for-you
the body’s fight-or-flight reaction is designed to provide protection rather than causing injury.
Here is additional information regarding good stress and how a small amount of temporary anxiety can actually have advantageous effects on your brain and body.
Is there such a thing as good stress?
Affirmative, it indeed does. Eustress, often referred to as good stress, is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as “the constructive stress response characterized by optimal levels of stimulation.” Put simply, it refers to the stress that can result from engaging {health.com} in a challenging yet pleasurable activity.
Examples of activities or events that can lead to good stress include:
- Transitioning into retirement
- Starting a family
- Preparing for a new job role
- Participating in an athletic competition
While good stress might arise from the anticipation of something thrilling, it is not the exclusive type of stress that leads to favorable results. The opposite of stress, known as distress according to the APA, can also have positive effects on our mental and physical well-being.
What are the positive effects of good stress?
According to MedlinePlus, short-term responses {health.com} to stress can actually assist us in coping with a difficult situation. Therefore, stress can be beneficial in several ways.
It enhances cognitive abilities.
Mild stressors trigger the synthesis of neurotrophins, which are brain chemicals that enhance the neural connections in the brain. According to Dr. Shelton, exercise may be the main way in which it helps to increase productivity and concentration, as it is a physical stressor.
In addition, a 2017 review published in EXCLI Journal suggested that good stress can enhance memory performance in certain instances, such as when one needs to take a written exam, within a brief period of time.
It has the potential to enhance immunity, but only for a limited period of time.
“The body’s response to stress involves preparing itself for potential injury or infection,” Dr. Shelton clarified. “One mechanism by which it accomplishes this is by generating additional interleukins—substances that aid in the regulation of the immune system—thus offering a temporary enhancement to the body’s defense.” learn morev at {health.com}
According to a study published in April 2018 in the journal Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, short-term good stress can potentially provide protection against infections or injuries by boosting the immune system.
It can enhance your resilience.
Acquiring the skills to cope with difficult circumstances can enhance one’s ability to handle future challenges. According to Dr. Shelton, the concept underlying Navy SEAL training is applicable, although milder experiences can also be advantageous.
“According to Dr. Shelton, SEALs who experience stressful events multiple times have the opportunity to develop a sense of control, both physically and psychologically. {health.com} This enables them to remain functional and not become overwhelmed during real combat situations,” Dr. Shelton explained.
It might serve as a source of motivation for you to achieve success.
good stress can potentially enhance your ability to accomplish tasks at work. “Consider a deadline: It is directly confronting you, and it will incite your actions to efficiently, swiftly, and more efficiently handle the situation,” Dr. Shelton elucidated.
According to Dr. Shelton, the crucial factor is to perceive stressful situations as a task that can be overcome, rather than an insurmountable obstacle.
Overview
The detrimental impact on our health and wellbeing only occurs when stress becomes chronic or when we perceive a loss of control over a situation. If you continue to experience challenges {health.com} in effectively coping with stress,
it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare physician or a mental health expert. They can help you discover stress management approaches or therapies that are most effective for you to control stress.
