Stress Is Not Always Bad, See How It Can Be Beneficial

Anything that requires an individual’s response or action can be defined as stress. According to the WHO, stress is defined as “any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain.” Every individual experiences stress to some extent. It is a normal human reaction that cannot be avoided. The human body copes with stress by releasing certain hormones. Chronic stress that lasts for a long time has a detrimental effect on physical and mental health. However, acute or short-term stress helps one avoid dangerous situations. It also increases our ability to be alert and enhances performance.

This Story also Contains

1. Good Vs Bad Stress
2. Benefits Of Physical Stress
3. Fight-Or-Flight Response

Good Vs Bad Stress

Stress is often linked to negative health conditions like headaches, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, depression, etc. However, short-term and manageable stress has surprising benefits. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), good stress also known as eustress is "the positive stress response involving optimal levels of stimulation".

Recent studies suggest effective stress management makes one’s life easier and more productive and improves memory by increasing the growth of stem cells. So, some stress is necessary to reach one’s optimal alertness for survival. Intermittent stressful episodes keep the brain more alert and help in improving your performance.

Benefits Of Physical Stress

Physical stress, such as exercise, has a dramatic effect on the human body. If one puts physical stress (exercise) on one’s body, the body adapts and becomes strong. These bodily processes protect the body, make one stronger. This helps in survival. The benefits last for many hours and over the years become a lifestyle. Some of the benefits include a dramatic decrease in inflammation, building immunity, increasing glutathione levels, and lowering blood pressure.

Fight-Or-Flight Response

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Berkeley found that in rats a brief stressful event caused the stem cells to proliferate into new neurons thereby increasing their cognitive ability. Acute stress triggers the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and in this manner activates a response called fight or flight. This response is eased by the release of epinephrine from the adrenal gland. The body then shifts its energy to fight its enemy or flee away from it. The various characteristics of fight or flight are tachycardia, dilation of the pupils and blood vessels, increased blood glucose levels, anxiety, etc. Activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors leads to constriction of blood vessels, and contraction and dilation of the pupils. Activation of beta-receptors increases heart rate and stimulates cardiac output, dilates the bronchi, dilates the blood vessels, and relaxes the uterus. Thus, fight or flight is an active defence mechanism that arises due to fear or stress and has evolved as a survival mechanism.

Of course, chronic stress is detrimental to physical and mental well-being, but a small amount of acute stress has surprising health benefits. Here are a few more benefits of acute and well-managed stress.

Better Performance

According to a study conducted by the University of California Berkley, stress leads to the formation of new neurons from stem cells thereby increasing memory and cognitive ability. Here’s a simple example to understand better. Deadlines increase stress and increase one’s ability to perform better.

Boosts Immunity

Stress stimulates the production of interleukins. These are a set of proteins produced by the white blood cells. Interleukins improve immune response and regulate inflammation.

Maintains Blood Pressure

Well-managed stress through yoga and meditation may reduce blood pressure and overall physical health.

Better Sleep

Acute stress, for example, deadlines increase productivity, thereby inducing better sleep after task completion. So, little stress is needed to remain motivated.

Increases Adaptability

Well-managed stress or acute stress makes one more resilient and flexible. As German philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche said, “what does not kill you, makes you stronger’. Example: Overcoming presentation stress makes one more confident.

Improves Memory

Moderate stress increases the number of neurons by forming new nerve cells from stem cells (according to a study conducted by the University of Berkeley). Example: In the wild, animals remember stressful and dangerous situations and avoid falling prey to predators.

Strengthens Mental Health

According to Melanie Greenberg, moderate stress makes one tougher, more resilient, and more tolerant. It increases one’s ability to cope with difficult life situations.

Improves Learning

According to psychologist Kathleen Gunthert at the American University, “Medium levels of stress can enhance our motivation."

Eustress or positive stress is thus a protective mechanism that works in various dimensions. It boosts immunity and increases adaptability, physical health, and the overall cognitive ability of an individual. Nietzsche’s words from 1888 hold true even in our modern world.