Surprising Reasons Why Moderate Stress is Good for Your Body

Modern people live while experiencing various stresses. Stress is not only about unexpected or negative events but also about experiencing good events. As much as we cannot avoid stress, which is an inevitable part of life, it is said that stress can be beneficial if it is received in moderation. What is moderate stress, and what is good stress?

The nickname “root of all diseases”

Stress can cause various diseases, as it is often referred to as the “root of all diseases.” When an individual experiences stress that is too much to handle, the body sends signals. As the nickname “root of all diseases” suggests, it is best to create a situation where you do not experience stress. However, if you cannot avoid it, it is also necessary to try to enjoy it.

It’s not always about causing diseases

Stress does not always cause diseases. If it is not excessive, it can have positive effects by stimulating and enhancing individual concentration. Research shows moderate stress can increase efficiency and success rates even during work or hobbies such as exercise.

How do we distinguish between harmful and beneficial stress?

How can we distinguish between beneficial stress and stress that is harmful? “Acute stress,” which occurs in a short period in specific moments, is a type of stress that helps explore certain situations. However, if the increased heart rate and rapid breathing occur when experiencing stress repeatedly, it can become “chronic stress” and harmful.

It may not be just simple stress

What we thought was just simple stress can also be another mental disorder. For example, if tension and pressure are present, the tension is released when the problem ends. One immediately returns to their daily routine; this can be considered as typical acute stress. However, if one continues to experience persistent tension and worry even after the situation has ended, it may be a type of anxiety disorder.

Stress can also help suppress obesity

According to domestic researchers, moderate-intensity continuous exercise delivers mild stress to important brain nerve cells responsible for appetite control, and this stress activates mitochondria in nerve cells, increasing energy consumption in the body. This prevents obesity, and to prevent obesity and various metabolic disorders, it is essential to engage in moderate-intensity exercise consistently in addition to diet.

Improves a sense of solidarity

The hormone “oxytocin” secreted from the brain in response to stress enhances social solidarity among people and regulates maintaining close relationships with others. It increases empathy and brings people closer, both mentally and physically. This oxytocin gives rise to a desire to help and support others. Therefore, when experiencing stress, one may want to confide in others and listen to the problems of those struggling.

Speeds up the body’s recovery process

If you have undergone surgery due to poor health, the stress from it speeds up the body’s recovery process. The stress hormone “cortisol” stimulates the release of immune cells into the bloodstream, directing these immune cells to areas of the body that need healing, such as the skin or lymph nodes. The original function of stress hormones is to prepare and respond to injuries, so they help speed up the body’s recovery process.

It also helps improve memory

When experiencing stress, perception and memory become more sensitive. This is because stress hormones stimulate the prefrontal cortex, responsible for cognition and emotion in the brain. As a result, the ability to solve problems and enhance working memory, which involves processing sensory information, improves. While chronic stress has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease, short-term stress has the advantage of improving the ability to recall memories.

Moderate stress is a brain stimulant

Moderate stress can act as a brain stimulant, promoting the development of brain nerve cells. It activates various brain systems and stimulates the secretion of several hormones related to the growth of nerve cells, helping brain cells to form more robust, complex, and efficient neural networks.

Find your own stress management method

The best way to manage stress is to do what you enjoy. This allows you to forget about stress momentarily, and if you repeat this periodically, stress intensity gradually weakens. Some stress management methods include light walks, chatting with friends, traveling, and watching movies. If you have something you enjoy and love, that can be your way of managing stress.

By. Jeon Sin Young (press@daily.co.kr)