My personal experience with stress has made me realize how complicated it can be. In this article, I will talk about the reasons why stress is both helpful and harmful to our mental health.
Introduction
Stress is a natural defense mechanism that our organisms developed over time. It can be of different types and have an impact on various aspects of our lives. Beyond seeing stress as a negative aspect, it is important to perceive it in the light of positivity, too, as when controlled, it can be good for us.
The Positive Aspects of Stress
Improved Performance
I have seen that the right amount of pressure can actually bring out the best in me during some tasks. Being under this type of stress – commonly known as eustress – can help you concentrate and work with devotion, hence, – help to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Short-term stress was found to be a memory booster and a help to cognitive function. During using my own experience, I have realized that I can be more conscious and can comprehend information faster if I am under moderate degrees of stress.
Increased Resilience
Experiencing stress and coping with it helps individuals to become more resilient. I have observed that every difficult circumstance I manage to get through strengthens me and helps me to be better prepared for the future.
The Negative Impacts of Stress
Physical Health Problems
Stress which is lasting can result in different physical health problems. I have noticed that the problem of headaches, stomach aches, and suspect immune systems only occur during prolonged periods of stress.
Mental Health Concerns
Dealing with stress can lead to mental health problems. In relation to my case, I found that high stress levels would sometimes make me feel anxious and depressed.
Impaired Decision-Making
Although low-level stress can be very helpful in enhancing your cognitive abilities, too much stress can harm your decision-making abilities instead. I have the tendency to examine my overwhelmed stressful moment and find it too difficult to make decisions that are proper and logical.
Finding Balance
Finding the positive aspects of stress and preventing the negative ones through balancing are the key to this. These are the strategies I have found useful so far:
Carry out stress management activities such as meditation or deep breathing exercise.
Follow a healthy lifestyle that involves regular physical activity and a balanced diet
Build a strong support network consisting of family members and friends
Establish realistic expectations and prioritize activities
Get to understand the differences between actual stress and harmful stress
Conclusion
To sum up, stress is a composite factor that possesses dual impact on our lives: both beneficial and hazardous. The ability to understand it from both perspectives while learning how to handle it appropriately is key to enjoying its advantages while not suffering from the side effects. As a person who has felt a variety of stress levels, I ask you to work with your own experience of stress and take steps in the direction of a balanced wellbeing.
