Feeling Anxious? It May Help You Build Immunity And Grow Stronger

Nowadays everyone wants to hire people who can work under pressure. While it may seem impossible on paper, it has now become a necessary skill to be hired anywhere. Not only does it show that you can be counted on, but it also shows that you will not crumble under it. But can you develop this skill and how is it good for you? We're constantly told to avoid stress, but not all stress is created equally. While chronic stress is undoubtedly harmful, short bursts of stress can actually benefit our minds and bodies. There are many situations, whether they are genuinely dangerous or not, where our bodies go into fight or flight responses. These situations often arise because you are stressed and almost go into autopilot mode. But what if we told you that you can have this response, even when you are in a situation you like? There are things called good stress and studies explaining that little anxiety is good for your psychological and physiological well-being.

Does Good Stress Exist?

Eustress is a word used to define good stress by the American Psychological Association (APA). They further explain "the positive stress response involving optimal levels of stimulation." Basically, it happens when you are doing something you enjoy, you get this giddy feeling and bubbling excitement, which is a kind of positive stress. These experiences, while challenging, provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Examples include entering retirement, a significant life transition filled with new opportunities, starting a family, a joyous but demanding undertaking, preparing for a new job, which can be exciting yet nerve-wracking, and participating in athletic events, which push physical and mental limits. While eustress arises from anticipating exciting events, it's important to recognize that even "distress" (the type of stress we typically think of) can have positive effects in measured doses.

How Can Stress Be Positive?

Short-term stress reactions can help us navigate challenging experiences. These fleeting moments of pressure can trigger adaptive responses that enhance our performance and well-being. Here are some key benefits.

It Boosts Brainpower

Manageable stress triggers neurotrophin release, strengthening neuronal connections (neuroplasticity). Basically, it means that stress can boost your brain function as it makes the connection between brain cells stronger. This enhances cognitive functions like focus and memory.

It Increases Immunity—Temporarily

Short-term stress prompts the body to produce interleukins, boosting immune activity and preparing for potential threats like injury or infection. They are short bursts of energy that can make your immunity system work harder and faster to prevent anything from happening. This temporary immune enhancement differs from the immune-suppressing effects of chronic stress.

It Builds Resilience

Successfully handling stress builds resilience for future challenges, a principle used in programs like Navy SEAL training and army as well, because you never know what kind of situation you may end up finding yourself in. Repeated exposure to controlled stressors develops coping mechanisms and a sense of control, improving performance under pressure.

It Motivates Success

Stress can be a powerful motivator, driving us to meet deadlines and achieve goals. People say that stress can make them work better and being under pressure makes them think in different ways. Viewing stressful situations as manageable challenges allows us to harness this motivational power, transforming potential anxiety into focused energy and drive.