Stress is widely regarded as an integral part of the modern lifestyle, often but rightly condemned as being responsible for its severe impact on the comfort of life. Interestingly, a new study challenges this long-held notion. Recent research from the University of Georgia Youth Development Institute suggests that the looming work deadline that stresses you out, contrary to popular belief, may actually be beneficial to your brain.
The latest research findings published in Psychiatry Research found that low to moderate levels of stress can help build resilience and reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression and antisocial behavior. Furthermore, it suggests that low-to-moderate stress may also help people cope with future stressful encounters, according to the news agency AND ME designated report.
Assaf Oshri, lead author of the study and associate professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, explained that “if you are in an environment where you have a certain level of stress, you can develop coping mechanisms that will allow you to become a more efficient and effective worker and organize yourself in a way that helps you perform. The report further highlighted that stress that comes from major life situations, such as studying for a test, preparing for a big meeting at work, or working longer hours to close the deal can potentially lead to personal growth, Just like dealing with rejection, like getting fired from a job, for example, can make someone reconsider their strengths and whether they should stay in their field or branch out into something new. the report said.
What you need to know about good stress:
The interesting thing to note here, however, is that the line between the right amount of stress and too much stress is thin, Oshri explains, “It’s like when you keep doing something hard and you get a little calloused on your skin, you activate your skin. adapt to this pressure that you’re putting on it. But if you do too much, you’re going to cut your skin.” The study noted that good stress can act as a vaccine against the effect of future adversity.
The researchers relied on data from the Human Connectome Project, a national project funded by the National Institutes of Health that aims to provide insights into how the human brain works. For the current study, researchers analyzed project data from more than 1,200 young adults who reported their perceived stress levels using a questionnaire commonly used in research to measure how uncontrollable and stressful people find their lives, according to the report.
But, when the stress is too much:
On the other hand, however, it’s equally important to be wary of excessive stress, as the ability to tolerate stress and adversity varies greatly by individual, the study revealed. There are other factors that affect how an individual responds to stress, things like age, genetic predispositions, and having a supportive community to turn to in times of crisis seem to be relevant here. On a darker note, Oshri warned that ongoing high stress levels can be incredibly damaging, both physically and mentally, explaining that “at a certain point, stress becomes toxic,” she said. “Chronic stress, like the stress that comes from living in extreme poverty or being abused, can have very bad health and psychological consequences. It affects everything from the immune system to emotional regulation to brain function. Not everything stress is good stress.”
(With contributions from the ANI)
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