Positive Stress Enhances Brain Functioning

Key Points:

• Low to moderate stress levels act as a protective barrier against mental health issues and future stress.
• Certain types of stress can enhance cognitive functioning.
• Excessive stress can turn positive stress into negative stress if not managed properly.

Despite the negative effects of stress, it's important to recognize that certain types of stress can be beneficial.

"Eustress is a positive experience, such as starting a new job, moving into a new home, or anticipating an exciting event. It's a healthy type of stress," explains Felice Martin, MS, NCC, LPC, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, NeuroCoach+ NeuroLeader, Behavioral Health Associates of Georgia, LLC.

Positive stress can protect against oxidative damage, which plays a role in aging and disease. It can also improve brain function and reduce the risk of mental health problems, according to a new study published in Psychiatry Research. This article explores how positive stress can mitigate the risk of mental health issues and serve as a protective factor against future stressors.

The Research:

Researchers from the University of Georgia analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project. They gathered information from 1,206 young adults who answered a detailed questionnaire about their stress levels and its impact on their lives. The researchers also assessed participants' neurocognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and the ability to switch between tasks.

The findings revealed a correlation between stress levels and brain functioning. Low to moderate stress levels can strengthen cognitive abilities, enhance resilience, and even shield individuals from psychological problems.

Assaf Oshri, PhD, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at The University of Georgia, and lead author of the study, explains: "While most research on stress focuses on its negative effects, in certain contexts and in moderation, stress may provide protective benefits for cognitive functioning and mental health, helping us cope with future stress."

Although the study involves a relatively small sample size, it offers valuable insights into the positive effects of appropriate stress levels.

"Lower levels of stress are associated with higher cognitive functioning (e.g., working memory), whereas higher stress levels start to have a detrimental impact on cognitive performance," notes Dr. Oshri.

The study underscores the critical distinction between different types of stress and their varying effects on mental performance and well-being.

Positive Stress Versus Negative Stress:

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Positive stress, also known as eustress, can arise from various situations, such as the excitement of starting a new job, preparing for a presentation, or anticipating a significant event. This type of stress can sharpen focus, improve performance, and enhance memory.

However, positive stress can quickly turn into negative stress, even in similar circumstances. For example, moving into a new home can be a positive experience, but if you're forced to relocate frequently or under undesirable conditions, the added pressure can lead to negative stress.

"If I'm constantly anxious, it will affect me physically. I may experience stomach problems, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, or even panic attacks. Something initially positive can become stressful," explains Martin.

Extensive research has documented the detrimental effects of stress, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating.

Positive Stress as a Protective Factor:

Experts believe that moderate, manageable stress can act protectively against future stressors. It can be likened to a vaccine, preparing the body to tolerate more challenging stress in the future.

"In low to moderate levels, certain types of stress can help individuals prepare, adapt, and build resilience to cope with future stressors. It can also motivate us to learn and remain vigilant about the future," notes Dr. Oshri.

Successfully navigating a stressful event can also boost your confidence in dealing with new stressors, positively impacting brain functioning.

"It helps us develop a positive narrative or story within our hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, providing positive feedback. This reshapes our perceptions, self-image, and how we perceive others," Martin explains.

Overcoming challenges can provide the motivation needed to conquer more formidable stressors later on. This is the essence of viewing positive stress in a constructive light.

"When we face stress head-on, it empowers us and triggers a positive dopamine rush, that rewarding chemical, because we realize, 'Hey, I can do this. This is great.' Who doesn't want to experience that?" concludes Martin.