A Little Stress Might Be Good for You

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Lolita Carrico

Feeling a little stressed with everything on your plate right now? That might not be a bad thing, according to researchers. Extreme stress can be debilitating — and lead to physical problems like heart disease. But according to Dr. Ken Robbins, a psychiatrist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, moderate stress can make you smarter, nicer and protect your body from future ills.

In the May issue of Health magazine, Dr. Robbins says that “the positive aspects of stress are underappreciated.” When in overload, stress causes the body to release large amounts of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol — which can cause detrimental results. But in moderation, the burst of hormones can be helpful.

How?

Cortisol can improve memory and oxytocin — another hormone released when stressed — helps with relationships and bonding. So, rather than letting the stress get to you, learn how to harness stress and to turn it into something positive!