Yep, Stress Can Actually Be Good for You—Here’s How

Stress happens. And, when it does, it's generally not the most enjoyable experience.

What you may be surprised to learn is that stress (in moderation) can actually be a good thing.

Scroll below to discover five surprising ways stress can benefit you.

Improves Your Memory

Stress causes your brain to be more alert, which helps you perform better. When you deal with low-level stressors, such as tests, school projects or exercise, the connection between neurons in your brain strengthens. This is why regularly working out increases your productivity. The next time you're taking an important exam and all of the answers seem to just come to you, you can thank the stress you felt while studying for it. Experiencing too much stress too often has the opposite effect. You'll find it way more difficult to remember things the more stressed out you are.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

Boosts Your Immune System

Believe it or not, small amounts of stress can help your body better defend itself from illness. When you're stressed, your body produces chemicals that help regulate the immune system, but too much of them can actually weaken your immune system. That's why you get sick more easily when you're stressed out to the max.

 

Increases Your Confidence

One of the best post-stress experiences is when you finally complete something that was causing tons of anxiety. You feel good about yourself and what you've done. That extra boost to your confidence helps you feel up to par when you need to accomplish another difficult task. Just make sure to never let anything rattle it.

(Legally Blonde via MGM)

 

Motivates You

If you weren't stressed out all the time, you probably wouldn't get anything done. Stress is the driving force behind doing your homework, studying, working hard at your job and a plethora of other things, because you want to succeed at whatever you're doing. The trick is to look at these things as a simple challenge you need to complete, rather than a giant obstacle you fear.

 

Helps You Embrace Change

Stress can make you more creative. It forces you to look at things differently and, possibly, achieve your tasks in a way you've never done before. Change can be a scary thing, but thanks to a little bit of stress, you'll realize it's a lot less terrifying than you think it is. After all, life begins where your comfort zone ends.

(Clueless via Paramount Pictures)

 

When your stress gets out of hand, it can take a toll on you. Head HERE to see some of the worst ways stress affects your body.