Work obligations, family drama, and busy schedules can leave us exhausted and stressed. According to American University psychology professor Kathleen Gunthert, stress is caused by an imbalance between a challenge and resources. Researchers have classified stress as ‘distress,’ which refers to negative stress (a breakup) and ‘eustress,’ which refers to positive stress (a new job).
The American Psychological Association defines chronic stress as “the physiological or psychological response to a prolonged internal or external stressful event,” which can lead to poor diet, skin issues, brain shrinkage, and chronic disease.
Experts suggest stress might be beneficial in tiny quantities. A 2013 Psychoneuroendocrinology study indicated that moderate daily stress, or ‘eustress’, may protect against oxidative damage, which is connected to aging and disease.
Here are some unexpected benefits of stress. Stress boosts motivation
Stress can be overpowering and demotivating, but a little can help you start work. Gunthert: “Medium levels of stress can enhance our motivation.” Due to time constraints, deadline stress can help people focus. “We’ve all said, ‘Oh I’ve got to get such and such done’ but not being able to find the motivation until we’re stressed because it’s due the next day and the motivation comes,” she explains. “That fight or flight response can kick us into gear sometimes.”
Stress fosters resilience and growth.
Peter Vitaliano, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, says stress can be overwhelming, but it encourages people to problem-solve, creating confidence and abilities for future encounters. He thinks resiliency and confidence make people feel less intimidated and more in control.
New York City certified clinical social therapist Allison Berwald says using stress to face anxieties or obstacles might help you work through them instead of avoiding them. She claims the experience of facing a fear will make you better able to face it in the future.
Stress fosters bonding
Stress can improve interpersonal interactions, which are vital to health, which is surprising. “Social connection is one of the most protective factors against physical and mental health problems,” Gunthert explains. People feel less alone when they’re liked and understood.
Vitaliano suggests that support groups allow people to discuss their stress, which boosts compassion and happy hormones. Vitaliano thinks talking out helps people feel better because they can empathize to each other’s challenges and affirm their feelings, turning a terrible experience positive.
Talking to friends and relatives strengthens bonds. “A lot of our friendships or family relationships wouldn’t be the same if we hadn’t supported each other through some of the tougher times,” adds Gunthert.
Meaningful existence involves stress.
Stress-free doesn’t mean better. Consider a graduate student. Competitive application, demanding curriculum, and moving from academic to commercial settings after graduation can be a learning process. Gunthert says one achieved something to be proud of. “The things we are most proud of and bring the most meaning in our lives are hard,” she continues. “We’d likely lose a lot of meaning in our lives if we eliminated stress.”
