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Stress is bad. That’s why we end up spending our money on relaxing spa treatments and become yoga junkies because that one hour of stress can generally feel like a vacation. Or a brain vacation. A brain-cation.
Fortunately, a little bit of stress can be good for you. Eustress is a form of ‘positive stress’ that keeps you functioning and excited about life, whether it’s the excitement from a horror movie or even taking part in a contest that gives you a chance to win big. A little bit of anxiety and stress in life can help you find the balance in life, and even help you perform. Without eustress, we become depressed and perhaps feel a lack of meaning in life. We’d not strive for goals, do not consider any challenges in life. In other words, eustress makes us healthy and happy.
Stress comes with benefits, in case you didn’t get the gist about eustress.
1. It Strengthens Your Immune System
If you ever noticed how your cranky workaholic colleagues will never go on medical leave, it might be due to the stress. Believe it or not, stress helps restore the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria in your body, making you immune to falling sick. But do take note that high levels of stress for more than a few hours can be exhausting and you’ll probably just end up weaker than before.
2. You Become Emotionally Stronger
With stress, you’re bound to feel more negative emotions like anxiety. However, short-term stress actually increases the levels of oxytocin, the love hormone. While it works best as a feel-good hormone, it still leaves you feeling more positive in and a better mood to give your man a kiss on the cheek after a long day. Or your kitten.
3. Stress Improves Your Memory
Stress can sharpen your memory and the speed of your brain. This is due to the increased flow of hormones into the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which controls cognition and emotion, hence improves your working memory.
4. Stress Makes You Positive
Researches found that people who faced tough challenges numerous times in the lives have the ability to adapt better than those who had no problems at all. Stress clearly helps boost your spirits and the ability to move forward in life.
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