Why Stress Is Good?

Obviously, anyone who has ever been stressed out recognizes that not managing their stress properly leads to negative consequences or, at the very least, is uncomfortable. This is why proper stress management is extremely important. However, there are several benefits to experiencing stress that many people do not consider.

For instance, have you ever tried to complete something that did not have a deadline? Chances are you found completing that project or task exceedingly difficult. The reason for this is there was no urgency, along with very little accountability. However, if you have a deadline to complete that task or tell your boss that you will complete that project, you have now set a hard boundary. By setting a hard boundary, you are far more motivated to complete this project or task. So stress in these cases is positive since those hard boundaries will help you accomplish a goal. 

Another situation where stress is often helpful is when you express how stressed you are to others. Everyone experiences stress from time to time, so other people will often be sympathetic and offer support in some way, perhaps material support or emotional support. So discussing one’s stressors can bring out an empathetic reaction from others. This social support is important for everyone to feel in their lives; we are social creatures, after all.  

Research has shown that stress that can be effectively managed can also be helpful for our health. Stress impacts the body and boosts the immune system. The immune system reacts and makes the body stronger. One has to be careful, though, too much stress, and the immune system becomes overwhelmed. 

Finally, stress evolved for a very important reason: it is a warning signal. Think of it as the check engine light in your automobile. If this light did not go off, you would have no idea that your vehicle is having any issues until something catastrophic goes wrong. Stress lets us know that we are in danger, whether that is danger is physical or psychological in nature. So as long as the stress is managed appropriately, it can provide many positive benefits.