For most of us, we try to avoid stressful situations, thinking that these events can cause negative effects. However, according to various experts, short-term stress can actually be good for your body and quality of life. This is especially if you can turn the tension into a positive and fruitful experience. To give you a better idea, here are the various benefits of stress.
The Surprising Benefits of Stress
1. Boosts Stamina
Instead of harming our bodies, some types of stress (eustress) can make us feel energized like the so-called adrenaline rush. Basically, during this time, your body releases the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. As a result, you will have more energy and strength. In some cases, you won’t feel any pain during this period. However, these effects are temporary, but it can still help you accomplish your tasks or goals. This extraordinary feeling can also save your life during emergency situations.
2. Improves Memory and Brain Function
Aside from boosting your energy, one of the most valuable benefits of stress is improving your focus, memory, and other brain functions.
A common example for this is when you have a deadline to beat. Typically, the urgency of the situation can lead to an alert and focused mind, allowing you to manage your stressor and finish your task on time. The main reason is due to your body’s immediate reaction to stress that can sharpen your senses and enhance your mental performance.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
It is true that prolonged exposure to stress can weaken your immune system. But, a brief encounter with a stressor has an opposite effect. Basically, during challenging situations, our bodies will temporarily boost your immune system in preparation for a possible infection or injury. Nonetheless, you still need to do other immune-boosting activities to successfully ward off the common colds or flu. This is highly recommended if you have a hectic schedule or heavy workload.
4. Make You Stronger and Resilient to Stress
The fourth in this list of benefits of stress is making you stronger. The best example for this is working out. As you know, various exercises can physically strain or damage your body. But, instead of causing health problems, these activities can prevent various ailments. Plus, regular workouts can also lead to stronger muscles and bones, especially with enough rest.
But, that’s not all. This benefit is also applicable to our daily lives. Remember, as we experience problems, we learn to adapt, cope, and overcomes our usual stressors. So, most of the time when a similar situation occurs, we are prepared .¨ physically, mentally, and emotionally.
5. Can Motivate You
Without problems, most of us will have a monotonous routine that can lead to boredom and lack of interest in life. For this reason, an occasional stress can spice up your life and motivate you to work harder. Remember, some challenges can awaken your desire to succeed and push you beyond your limits. The best part is that you feel more confident every time you overcome your stressors and achieve your goals.
6. Makes Your Life More Interesting and Meaningful
Lastly, once we overcome our stressors, this may lead to a more interesting and meaningful life. This is especially true if you turn the stressful situation into learning experiences. Keep in mind that challenges and problems exist to teach us valuable life lessons that enable us to grow and become better versions of ourselves.
What Kind of Stress is Harmful?
Although there are numerous benefits of stress, not all kinds of tensions are beneficial. In fact, stress that lasts for weeks or months may eventually lead to health problems such as frequent headaches, mood swings, heart diseases, and a weak immune system. The best way to lessen or let go of these unwanted tensions is to do relaxing activities like meditating,
writing in a gratitude journal, and going out with friends.
Nonetheless, embracing occasional or short-term stress is good, especially if you can manage and turn the negativity into something fruitful or advantageous.
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