The real reason why human life can be so utterly exasperating and frustrating is not because there are facts called death, pain, fear, or hunger. The madness lies in the way we try to escape from these facts.
Alan Watts, “The Wisdom of Insecurity“
In a world that constantly urges us to relax, unwind, and avoid stress at all costs, we often overlook a surprising truth: not all stress is harmful. In fact, a particular kind of good stress—known as eustress—can energize us, enhance our health, sharpen our focus, and give life deeper meaning.
Ironically, in trying to avoid discomfort and take the path of least resistance, we often create more of it. But when we learn to welcome life’s challenges, rather than resist them, stress becomes not a threat—but a powerful force for growth.
Supporting this concept, Dr. Sharon Bergquist explains in her game-changing book, The Stress Paradox, that our bodies are designed to heal and repair themselves—but we need the right amount and type of stress to rejuvenate at the cellular level.
To live longer, healthier, and happier lives, our bodies need short bursts of stress followed by recovery—not a constant state of alarm, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. That’s why learning to manage stress—and even embrace healthy forms of it—is essential for long-term vitality.
We are well-informed about the toxicity of chronic stress due to the prolonged release of fight-or-flight hormones, primarily cortisol. While cortisol plays a vital role in life-threatening situations—like confronting a tiger in the jungle—it can cause significant health problems if it remains elevated over time.
In other words, although cortisol is beneficial in short bursts (helping us mobilize energy, sharpen focus, and respond to danger), chronic elevation makes it harmful in the following ways:
- Weakens the immune system, making us more vulnerable to illness
- Disrupts sleep and mood, increasing anxiety, depression, and memory problems
- Promotes weight gain, especially belly fat, and raises blood sugar levels
- Elevates blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease
- Breaks down muscle and bone, contributing to weakness and osteoporosis
- Damages gut health, leading to digestive issues and inflammation
The popular term stress management doesn’t usually distinguish between good stress and bad stress. It implies that all stress is harmful and should be avoided or dealt with, as best we can. As a result, we tend to focus on two options:
1. Avoid stress-producing situations
2. Minimize the harmful effects of stress on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Given the current state of the world—with its uncertainties, conflicts, and dangers- avoiding stress altogether is often unrealistic. That’s why there are recommended activities to reduce the effects of stress. They include meditation, yoga, tai chi, regular exercise, dancing, gardening, walking your dog, or playing sports. All are helpful practices to mitigate potential damage to our bodies and minds.
GOOD STRESS
For Our Ancestors, Stress Was a Path to Strength
The nomadic Hunter-Gatherer humans, who prowled the planet during the Old Stone Age, faced real, physical challenges that are impossible for us to comprehend—such as finding food, escaping predators, enduring intense cold, and caring for the injured with limited knowledge. But unlike today’s chronic stress, their stress came in short, intense bursts followed by rest, reward, and support from the tribe.
Because these challenges were immediate, purposeful, and often shared, they strengthened both body and mind over time. This natural cycle of challenge and recovery built resilience, adaptability, and strong social bonds. It’s a powerful reminder: not all stress is harmful to us. Some stress, when faced head-on, can help us thrive. Although we don’t have to endure the same stressful situations that our predecessors did, as humans, we have inherited the skills they developed to cope with the adversities of today. Unfortunately, few people are aware of the skills and adaptabilities that were handed down to us.
In my upcoming article, I will share examples of short-term stress practices that have helped me—and can help you—keep your mind sharp, improve your mood, boost energy, support a healthy gut, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Good stress can also enhance our ability to cope when we inevitably face situations that we typically consider toxic.
