Why Some Stress is Good for You

You know the saying “everything in moderation”. This applies to all areas in our lives and obviously then applies to stress as well. We may talk about cutting stress from our lives, but we need those precious, powerful fight-or-flight hormones our bodies produce when we have a short term buzz of stress.

When the brain perceives physical or psychological stress, it starts pumping the chemicals cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine into the body. Instantly, the heart beats faster, blood pressure increases, senses sharpen, a rise in blood glucose invigorates us. It can improve heart function and make the body resistant to infection.

Moderate amounts of stress, the kind of short-term buzz we get from a sudden burst of hormones can help people perform tasks more efficiently and can improve memory. Good stress is the type of emotional challenge where a person feels in control and provides some sense of accomplishment. Far from being something we need to eliminate from our lives, good stress stimulates us.

Bad stress which is long-term stress, such as living with a permanent disability, may render you less able to fight infections. Long term stress can have a negative effect on your body. Older people and people who are already ill are more likely to suffer damage to their immune systems due to long term stress.

The difference between stress that is good for you and stress that can damage your health is in knowing that the stressful event causing your anxiety will end soon. Good stress is short term and can be beneficial by applying a boost to your immune system and boosting your performance. Long term stress will damage your health.