Stress Can Be Very Good For You. Here’s Why.
In this CNN essay, Maggie Jackson provides scientific evidence that stress is a powerful cognitive benefactor during times of uncertainty and change. She shows us we are all meant to adapt to change, so when you experience something new, ambiguous, or unexpected, stress hormones and neurotransmitters such as Norepinephrine flood the brain, awakening it and triggering the cognitive skills needed in times of change. Read more about the findings here.
Slipstream
Uncertainty equals "bad," certainty equals "good," but according to this article, it can be the opposite. The next time I'm stressed, I'll try to remind myself it may not be such a bad thing after all. Thumbs up on this article!
Well Street
Maybe a mantra could be helpful. "This temporary discomfort is building permanent resilience in me."
I was most interested in the part about "leaders who briefly deliberate in public about a new, thorny problem are rated as less competent than executives who respond instantly."
When I applied for a managerial position, I learned the person interviewing me wasn't impressed that I took time to consider my answers to his questions. He apparently viewed this as uncertainty and quick responses as an indicator of confidence.
Evangel
And yet at the same time, the article also states that research showed that chief executives who are ambivalent in a crisis tend to be more resourceful than the ultra-decisive leaders we so often admire.
Sanatana
That does make sense. People are afraid of change and things that make them feel out of control. Certainty is what most people want. Unfortunately, that is not life. And if you think about it, it would kind of boring if we everything that was coming our way. The most important thing, I believe, is to manage our stress so that it doesn't dictate our behavior and impact our mental health.
Sanatana
Very interesting. I did not know this! Thank you for sharing.