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Can stress be good for you?

Posted: June 1, 2009

Excessive stress is a leading contributor to lack of sleep and a whole host of related health problems. We each have our own finely calibrated stress tipping point and when we reach it, we know it. But stress isn't just about bad moods, migraine headaches and sleeplessness - stress can be good too.

Consider this - something we have all experienced, but perhaps without knowing exactly what's brewing in terms of the chemical mix. Your brain perceives physical or psychological stress - like a deer darting in front of your car or a truck swerving into your driving lane. Right away, your brain springs into action and starts pumping cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine into your body. Your heart beats faster, your blood pressure increases, and your senses sharpen. Even your blood glucose elevates. All good stuff, right? Well, yes, in small doses.

"Stress is a burst of energy," says psychiatrist Dr. Lynne Tan of Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "It’s our body telling us what we need to do."

Not bad in moderate quantities, according to Jane Weaver, Health Editor at msnbc.com 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. It can improve heart function and make the body resistant to infection. Far from being something we need to eliminate from our lives, good stress stimulates us.

Stress is not always a bad thing — it's what you do with it that's key. Here are some ways to avoid stress overload, courtesy of the National Mental Health Association:

Think of the glass as half-full. We can't make stress go away, but we can change how our brains react to it. An optimistic look at life can give more of a feeling of personal control and help limit the elevation of stress hormones.
Focus on the task at hand. An unexpected deadline at work or home can give a burst of hormone-related energy, but don’t feel you have to do everything at once. If you feel overwhelmed, say "no" to taking on more tasks.
Fight the urge to be a superman or wonderwoman. You’re not perfect, so don’t expect it from others. Prioritize and be realistic about work deadlines. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise helps make your body more resistant to the negative effects of psychological stress.
Meditate. Try to think of pleasant moments or nothing at all. Just 10 minutes to 20 minutes of quiet time can relax you and increase your tolerance to chronic stress.
Be alert to stress clues. Frequent colds, cold sores, backaches, headaches, difficulty thinking clearly, irritability or insomnia are signals that your body and immune system are suffering from too much stress.

Visit Stress First Aid for more tips and techniques on how to make the most of Good Stress and cope with Bad Stress.

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