5 Positive Effects of Stress

Stress can have some serious negative effects on your body and mental health. Research links stress to an increased risk of heart attack, burn-out, panic attacks, poor gut health, migraines, and more. But it’s unavoidable. Stress is something we all face. Whether it’s at work, school, or due to the busy schedule of home life, stress is bound to pop up at one time or another.

However, stress can also have some positive effects on our lives when experienced in moderation and when individuals cope with the feeling appropriately.

Here are 5 positive effects of stress you may not know.

1. Stress Can Increase Creativity

Sometimes stress is the kick we need to push ourselves outside of the box and to do a little better than we did before. If you’re feeling stressed about a project, situation, or paper, it can give your creativity a boost and help you push through roadblocks you may be facing.

2. Stress Can Provide Motivation

When we experience stress, sometimes we feel like we may not be able to accomplish what we set our minds to. But your brain is wired to react in a way that makes you strive for success. Stress can move you in the right direction and provide you with a deep sense of accomplishment when you overcome your fears or worries.

3. Stress Can Increase Your Brain Power

That’s right, stress might actually make you smarter. Not only does it give you the opportunity to find new ways of doing things to reach success, but biologically stress releases chemicals in the brain, known as neurotrophins, that can help improve your concentration and enable you to be more productive in the short-term.

4. Stress Can Make You Strong

We’re not talking strong as in able to lift weights, but stress can make you more resilient. After you go through a period of stress and come out the other side you’re bound to see how strong you are mentally. You will realize that you can get through things and it can help you better prepare for next time.

5. Stress May Improve Your Immune System

Studies show that short-term periods of acute stress may help improve your immune system. According to Stanford University School of Medicine, stress causes your body to release hormones that improve the function of cells that are vital to immunity response. Researchers believe this is connected to the fight-or-flight response that all humans inherently have, but it must be noted that this boost in immunity is only temporary. In fact, chronic stress can lead to more frequent illness and susceptibility to infection.

A Note from GR8NESS

While everyone experiences minor stressors occasionally, chronic stress can  have severe ramifications on your health, both physically and mentally. If you are struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety and experiencing high levels of stress, it is not something to ignore. Situational stress can help us grow, but if you suffer from on-going stress that makes it hard to get through your daily activities it is best that you speak with a professional.

Remember–you are GR8 and you can get through this.