Can stress be beneficial?

At the origin of many inconveniences, stress has forged a bad reputation. Yet, it is a vital reaction that mobilizes the resources needed to adapt to our environment. Stress can therefore be an enemy or an ally, depending on the case, everything is a matter of balance!

STRESS, A PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTION OF THE BODY

Stress is a reactional state of the body facing a physical, mental or emotional stimulus. The source of stress can be varied in nature and intensity: examinations, delays, dates to be respected, surgical operations, moving, etc. It is often linked to lack of control, unpredictability, novelty or threatened ego (our skills are then tested).

The brain, alerted by the stimulus triggers physiological reactions such as increased heart rate, constriction of blood vessels and adrenaline rush. The intensity of the reaction depends on the perception of the stimulus and the value we attribute to it. For example, air travel will be experienced in a more or less stressful way depending on the individual.

DISCOVERING GOOD STRESS

“Good stress" can be defined as a momentum towards action, which allows us to be in full possession of our abilities. This becomes especially vital when an individual is faced with a danger.

It also allows us to be productive in our activities and leads us to exceed our limits, as a response to an unusual situation that presents a challenge. One can for example mention the "stage" of the artists before the curtain raising, or the sportsman in competition. Without stress, we would not be stimulated and our skills would remain underutilized.

ACUTE OR CHRONIC STRESS?

Stress, while beneficial, cannot be permanent because the body needs recovery periods. Acute stress is short-lived, it responds to the initial stimulus and fades naturally when the stressful situation or activity is over.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, is a constant state of stress, felt day after day. It can result from recurring problems or an excessively intense lifestyle where we cannot "release the pressure". This prolonged stress is not without consequences for the organism. It can indeed be at the origin of many troubles both physical and psychic.

Source: Lescuyer Laboratory