Everyone’s always trying to get rid of stress and anxiety. We see headlines almost daily on tips for how to lead a “stress-free life” and how to “beat stress” and ways to “de-stress”. But did you know that stress actually offers some health benefits?
Yes, you should avoid large amounts of stress—the psychological and emotional detriments would outweigh any benefits—but stress in small doses can be really good for your body and soul. Studies show that it can even help you live longer!
The difference between good stress and bad stress lays in the length and controllability of it. Bad stress is chronic, and the person experiencing it feels like s/he has no control over it. He may even have to resort to taking anxiety pills to treat his condition, such as Xanax or Ativan. Short bursts of stress, on the other hand, are easy to overcome and offer the health benefits that chronic stress lacks.
How can stress help? Short bouts of stress call up energy to help overcome the stress. Since it doesn’t take too much energy to fight small amounts of stress, once stress is overcome, you’ll have extra energy left over from stress-damage repair. It also helps teach your body that it’s well equipped for recovery. Research extrapolates from this that small amounts of stress can help slow the aging process since our bodies become well-equipped to fight off the stresses of aging.
Another way that stress can boost health is through the sense of accomplishment one feels when stress is overcome. For example, you stressed out over a conversation you needed to have with your spouse. You gained the courage, you had the conversation, and whatever the outcome is (positive or negative), you can revel in the fact that you took the courageous step forward to work towards healing your relationship. Your brain and your body then get the message that it’s time to relax and you’ll feel more relaxed than you’ve felt in days. It’s important to pat yourself on the back when you overcome stress, every step of the way.
Some examples of short-lived healthy stress include getting stuck in a traffic jam when you have somewhere to be, studying for a test, going on a roller coaster even though you’re terrified of heights, and having an argument. Even eating spicy foods or swimming laps in a pool when your body is not accustomed to doing so can cause a healthy amount of stress that you’ll then be able to overcome, find relief, recover, and relax.