It may sound surprising, but research shows that while people without stress are less likely to have chronic illnesses and often feel better, they also perform worse on tests that measure memory and cognitive flexibility. It seems that a little stress can help keep our brains sharp. Stress acts as a kind of training for the brain, allowing us to use our cognitive skills better and more efficiently.
This does not mean that we should always be stressed to think well. It’s about finding the right balance. A little stress can help us be more productive and think better, but too much stress can lead to negative feelings and be bad for our health. People with stress also give and receive emotional support more often, which can lead to a richer social life. Therefore, it is important to find a level of stress that keeps us alert without harming our health.
