Be Nervous for Your Health: How Stress Benefits the Body

If you are always trying to avoid stress and anxiety, it’s time to change your tactics. Why? A Gestalt therapist will tell you 🤓

When we hear the word “stress”, only negative associations immediately come to mind. However, the devil is not as black as he is painted, because in fact, situations that make the heart beat faster and the palms sweat treacherously can bring a lot of benefit. But only on condition that you know how to manage your emotions and body reactions. It is stress that provides you with a surge of energy, helps you find unconventional ways out of the most difficult situations and become a winner. But how to “lure” it to your side and recognize that what you are experiencing is beneficial, not harmful? A Gestalt therapist will tell you about this 👇

We are used to thinking of stress as an enemy, something that must be gotten rid of at any cost. However, it was not for nothing that nature endowed us with the ability to experience this state. Over millions of years of evolution, stress has become our faithful ally in the fight for survival. It made our ancestors run faster, think sharper, act more decisively.

In the 21st century, we rarely encounter saber-toothed tigers, but stress still plays an important role in our lives. It helps us cope with deadlines, public speaking, difficult negotiations. Stress is not just a reaction to danger, it is a powerful tool for self-improvement and growth. Are you ready to reconsider your attitude to stress and learn how to use its power for good? Then read this article.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural reaction of the body to external stimuli, requiring the mobilization of physical and mental resources. It occurs when we encounter situations that are perceived as threatening or require increased attention.

When stressed, complex biochemical processes occur in the body. The key role is played by stress hormones – adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal medulla and quickly enters the blood. It provides instant mobilization of the body: the heartbeat quickens, blood pressure rises, blood flow in the muscles increases, and the senses become more acute.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex a little later. It helps the body adapt to stress by regulating metabolism and immune responses. Cortisol promotes the release of glucose into the blood to provide energy to the muscles.

Stress occurs when the brain perceives a situation as potentially dangerous. A signal is sent to the hypothalamus, which activates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers the production of stress hormones. This happens very quickly – literally in seconds, the body is brought to a state of “combat readiness”.

Types of stress

Stress can be both negative and positive. There are two main types of stress: eustress and distress.

1. Eustress (positive stress)

This is a useful stress that motivates, increases productivity and helps to adapt to new conditions. It occurs in situations that are perceived as positive or as surmountable difficulties: a wedding, a promotion, a sports competition. Eustress stimulates the production of moderate amounts of stress hormones, which increases physical and intellectual capabilities.

2. Distress (negative stress)

This is harmful stress that depletes the body’s resources. It occurs with prolonged exposure to negative factors or in situations perceived as insurmountable: job loss, serious illness, conflicts. Distress is accompanied by excessive production of stress hormones, which can lead to exhaustion and various diseases.

What are the benefits of stress?

You might be surprised, but moderate and short-term stress can bring real benefits to the body, and in several ways at once.

• Increases performance:The release of adrenaline and cortisol mobilizes energy resources, sharpens attention and speeds up reactions. This helps to cope better with complex tasks.

• Stimulates thinking:In a stressful situation, the brain works more actively, creativity and the ability to find non-standard solutions increase.

• Strengthens the immune system:Short-term stress activates the immune system, increasing the body’s resistance.

• Improves memory:Emotionally charged events associated with stress are better remembered and are retained in memory longer.
• Increases stamina:Regular exposure to moderate stress trains the nervous system, making it more resilient to stress.
• Motivates to develop:Stress forces you to step out of your comfort zone, learn new skills, and overcome challenges.
• Sharpens the senses:In a stressful situation, all senses become more acute, which increases awareness and sensitivity.

What harm does stress cause?

However, it is important to remember that prolonged or excessively intense stress can cause serious harm to health, namely:

• Cardiovascular diseases:Chronic stress increases the risk of developing hypertension, heart attack and stroke due to the constant impact of stress hormones on the heart and blood vessels.
• Weakened immunity:Long-term stress depletes the immune system’s resources, making the body vulnerable to infections and other diseases.
• Digestive disorders:Stress can cause gastritis, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Mental disorders:Chronic stress increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health problems.
• Obesity:Elevated cortisol levels during stress can lead to increased appetite and fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area.
• Sleep disorders:Stress often causes insomnia or shallow sleep, which negatively affects the general condition of the body.
• Premature aging:Chronic stress accelerates the aging process at the cellular level, shortening the length of telomeres.

When is it good to be nervous?

Moderate stress can be useful in various life situations. Before important events, such as an exam, interview or public speech, mild anxiety plays a positive role. It increases concentration and mobilizes the body’s resources, helping to show the best result.

In sports activities, pre-start anxiety is also beneficial. It helps improve physical performance and speeds up the athlete’s reaction, which can be a decisive factor in achieving victory.

When solving complex intellectual problems, moderate stress also stimulates thought processes and increases creativity. This helps us find unconventional solutions and overcome difficulties that we encounter in everyday life or professional activities.

In emergency situations, stress plays a particularly important role. It mobilizes all the body’s forces to fight danger, allowing you to act quickly and effectively. This can be crucial for survival in extreme conditions.

Thus, moderate stress is a natural adaptation mechanism that helps us cope with challenges and achieve better results in various areas of life.

How to manage stress so that it brings benefits?

• Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your emotions and physical sensations to notice signs of excessive stress in time.
• Use relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation help reduce stress levels.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and produce endorphins.
• Maintain a sleep and nutrition regime: Adequate rest and healthy eating increase resistance to stress.
• Develop social connections: Communication with loved ones and support from others help to cope with stress.
• Practice positive thinking: Try to find positive aspects in difficult situations.
• Plan your time: Proper organization of the day will help to avoid unnecessary stress due to haste and overload.
• Learn to say no: Don’t take on too many commitments that may cause undue stress.

Remember that moderate stress is a natural and healthy response of the body. It helps us adapt to changes, overcome difficulties and develop. The key to health is the ability to find a balance between stress and relaxation, use the energy of stress for good and give the body rest in time.