With a pandemic still looming, and issues such as the climate crisis and pressure to address work-related issues, the average person has a lot of stress to deal with (Image: Shutterstock)
To be clear: not all types of stress are good for health and especially chronic stress, that is the bad type
With a pandemic still looming, and issues like the climate crisis and the pressure to deal with work-related issues, the average person has a lot of stress to deal with. However, it seems that a certain amount of stress can be good for people. To be clear, not all types of stress are good for health and especially chronic stress, that is the bad type. It dominates your thoughts on a daily basis and can cause anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure, depression and more. However, there are some benefits to normal stress levels.
Let’s take a look at them:
Prevents you from getting a cold
Stress can initiate a fight-or-flight response designed to protect the person, whether from injury or another perceived threat. Low doses of the stress hormone help protect against infection, according to a study published in 2004.
Improves child development
A 2006 Johns Hopkins study observed 137 women from mid-pregnancy to their children’s second birthday. The analysis of their observation found that babies born to women who experienced mild to moderate stress during pregnancy had more advanced early development skills by age two than babies born to non-stressed mothers. It should be noted, however, that women with chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are known to give birth prematurely, jeopardizing their chances of survival.
Improved cognitive function
Moderate stress can strengthen the connection between neurons in the human brain, improve memory and attention span, and help a person become more productive. A 2013 study from the University of Berkeley found that stress generates new nerve cells in the brain that can help you learn better two weeks later. This is in contrast to chronic stress, as acute stress excites the brain for improved cognitive and mental performance.
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