The Real Role of Stress

Stress serves a particular purpose in our lives; it can be beneficial and even essential in certain situations. However, for many people today, the negative aspects of stress often overshadow its usefulness.

There are moments when stress can actually motivate us effectively. Kathleen Gunthert, a psychology professor, notes in a Time Magazine article that “Moderate levels of stress can boost our motivation” and help enhance focus as deadlines loom. Personally, I can relate to this. During times when I’ve procrastinated on assignments, I often find that the looming pressure helps me focus better than any stimulant could.

Stress and Survival: An Evolutionary Perspective

I resonate with Professor Gunthert’s view on the productivity benefits of stress during critical moments. Consider situations where our very survival is on the line. For instance, if a car honks at you while you're in a crosswalk, the adrenaline rush you feel is a vital survival instinct.

An illustrative example used by evolutionary psychologists involves a hypothetical early human on the savannah. Picture yourself relaxing after a long day, only to hear rustling in the grass behind you. Your heart races, and you're filled with stress, preparing for a potential fight. But when you see that it’s merely a rabbit instead of a tiger, the relief is palpable. This acute stress response, though unnecessary in that instance, is a crucial evolutionary trait designed to ensure survival.

This thought experiment aligns with the negativity bias described by psychologist Rick Hanson, which posits that negative experiences tend to linger longer in our memory than positive ones. This survival mechanism is embedded in our nature.

Stress: Beneficial in Moderation

While stress can sharpen our focus and help us navigate life-threatening situations, it’s evident that many individuals in developed countries are experiencing overwhelming levels of stress in daily life.

If stress is most effective in small, manageable doses, how can we harness our inherent survival instincts when necessary, yet find ways to alleviate stress when it becomes overwhelming?

My answer, which I often apply to many challenges in life, is mindfulness and meditation. There is a wealth of information available on platforms like Medium about cultivating a meditation practice, and I encourage you to explore those resources.

Calming Down: Reflections on the Pizza Experience

With just 2 minutes left until my Uber arrived, I started to calm down. I realized, “I really let myself get worked up over a pizza. My stress response was entirely disproportionate to the situation.”

I decided to approach the bar to check on my pizza, and it was delivered promptly while I kindly asked my Uber driver to wait an additional couple of minutes. Ultimately, I secured my pizza and my ride home, gaining an important lesson about managing stress along the way.

Bringing it All Together

Ultimately, personal growth revolves around discovering how to make stress work in our favor rather than against us. While my anxiety about the pizza didn’t hasten its arrival, it did prompt me to take action by inquiring about it.

Though I can’t provide a definitive answer on how to leverage stress effectively in this brief article, I encourage you to seek your own solutions. Remember, focusing on the right questions can be more impactful than merely seeking answers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts! I explore topics related to philosophy, mindfulness, career advice for recent graduates, and my journey of self-improvement. If you found value in this piece, please consider supporting my writing by giving it a clap and exploring membership options through the link below.

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