Is Stress Good or Bad?

by | Aug 24, 2024

Often framed as a foe, stress has become synonymous with anxiety and ill health. Yet, stress is a natural response intricately woven into our biology. When faced with challenges, our bodies engage the fight-or-flight response, flooding us with adrenaline and sharpening our focus. This acute stress can spur us into action, enhancing performance in critical moments. 

However, the dichotomy between beneficial and harmful stress is crucial. Chronic stress—stemming from relentless daily pressures—can wreak havoc on our well-being. When the stress response lingers without reprieve, it can lead to debilitating fatigue, anxiety, and even chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immunity.

So, what is good stress that drives peak performance?

Understanding the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) Axis, which lies at the heart of our stress response, is critical. Part of the endocrine system it connects the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, orchestrating the release of stress hormones like cortisol.

Understanding the HPA Axis

When the brain perceives a threat or stressor (physical, psychological, or environmental), the hypothalamus is activated and releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and, in some cases, arginine vasopressin (AVP). These hormones travel through the bloodstream to the pituitary gland which, in turn, releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone travels via the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex (part of the adrenal glands), stimulating the release of glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, which is the body’s primary stress hormone.

In short, in acute stress, cortisol helps mobilise energy by regulating the metabolism mobilising glucose, fats, and amino acids. It has also anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing immune system activity when needed. Once the stressor is resolved, cortisol signals the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to down regulate CRH and ACTH production, effectively reducing cortisol release to restore balance.

Being in the zone

You are at your best in a state of flow when you are functioning at your highest capacity, both mentally and physically. In this state, tasks are often performed with efficiency, focus, and optimal use of skills, energy, and attention. Achieving peak performance means that mental focus, emotional regulation, and physical readiness are optimised. Characteristics include:

  • Physical Readiness: This involves the body being in optimal condition to handle the demands placed on it, whether through fitness, endurance, strength, or flexibility.
  • Mental Focus: A high degree of concentration, often leading to what athletes call “the zone,” where distractions fade and the individual is entirely absorbed in the task at hand.
  • Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions, such as stress or anxiety, in a way that supports focus and performance rather than hinders it.
  • Recovery: Peak performance is supported by proper rest and recovery, as sustained high performance cannot occur without periods of renewal.

When does stress become bad?

While the HPA axis is crucial for short-term adaptation to stress, chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of this system. Dysregulation is marked by elevated cortisol over prolonged periods which can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues, including:

  • Immune system suppression
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression
  • Cognitive decline, due to cortisol’s negative impact on the hippocampus, a region involved in learning and memory.

Finding Balance

The challenge lies in recognising the nuances of stress. While manageable stress can act as a springboard for personal growth and achievement, it is imperative to develop strategies that foster relaxation and resilience. Mindfulness, exercise, and social support can mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress, helping us regain control over our lives.

Ultimately, understanding stress as a double-edged sword allows us to harness its potential while safeguarding our mental and physical health. By cultivating a balanced perspective, we can navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and emerge stronger from the trials we face.

So, is stress good or bad then? 

In essence, stress is neither inherently good nor bad; it is our response to it that shapes our experience. Embracing its challenges while actively seeking out practices to soothe and replenish ourselves can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. In this way, we transform stress from an adversary into a catalyst for growth, resilience, and ultimately, well-being.

 

If this article resonates with you and you would like to find out more for yourself or your organisation about how we can help you become a great communicator, schedule a confidential enquiry call today! Veronika Kloucek, Senior Psychotherapist, Trainer, Coach  

 

References:

Heim, C., & Binder, E. B. (2012). Current research trends in early life stress and depression: Review of human studies on sensitive periods, gene-environment interactions, and epigenetics. Experimental Neurology, 233(1), 102-111.

Herman, J. P., & Cullinan, W. E. (1997). Neurocircuitry of stress: Central control of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Trends in Neurosciences, 20(2), 78-84. 

McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873-904. 

McMorris, T., & Hale, B. J. (2012). Is there an acute exercise-induced physiological/biochemical threshold which triggers increased speed of cognitive functioning? A meta-analytic investigation. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 1(1), 11-20. 

Sapolsky, R. M. (2000). Glucocorticoids and hippocampal atrophy in neuropsychiatric disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 57(10), 925-935.