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We used to blame stress for everything: negative effects on our cardiovascular system, weight gain, insomnia, and even depression. Some people think that almost all diseases are caused by stress.
But what if we were to say that stress can be beneficial? The question is, where is the fine line between stress, necessary for growth and even survival, and a dangerous state that only harms?
What is stress?
Stress means compression, pressure, oppression. It is a state of physical and emotional tension that appears in difficult situations. The body reacts to what it feels is a threat to it. And biologically speaking, it doesn’t matter what the situation is: whether it’s a first date or a problem at work.
In fact, stress is an important evolutionary tool. Without it, we would not be able to activate all our resources in critical situations and escape, for example, from a wolf, save a loved one or go through something very traumatic.
Good stress and bad stress — what's the difference?
But it’s important to remember that stress doesn’t always help us. It becomes harmful when it can be described as chronic. Our body can handle short-term stress: running away from the tiger and then recovering. But if we are locked in a cage with a predator, we can’t escape it every day. It’s with this type of stress that we can face health consequences, both emotional and physical.
However, in small doses, stress can play to our advantage. It’s an extra burst of energy, the ability to cope quickly with problems, motivation, and even improved memory!
For example, the research by King’s College London said that those people who experienced moderate levels of stress before surgery recovered faster than those who experienced low or high levels of stress.
So, how do we relate to stress?
Stress can help us in our ordinary lives: getting a promotion, becoming more productive, increasing our service check, moving to a dream country, etc. Certain beliefs can change the way we relate to stress:
- I can not only handle stress, but I can grow because of it
- I think my body’s stress response can be beneficial. Stress is energy I can use
- Stress is not about being a failure. Stress is about my capabilities.
Use moderate stress to achieve what you’ve always wanted, rather than spending all your energy to deal with it. But it’s important to monitor whether stress has turned into chronic stress. And if it has, it can’t be ignored. If you feel that you have difficulty concentrating on tasks, are experiencing body aches, headaches, you have sleep and appetite disorders – these are sure signs that you need to see a specialist.
