Myth or Fact? Stress can be good for you.

Answer: FACT.

We all get stressed sometimes. There’s a reason our bodies have a built-in stress response system –

to keep us safe and power us through uncomfortable situations. Any time you’re out of your comfort zone, whether from doing something challenging or in an unsafe situation, your body responds by pumping out hormones to give you energy and focus to overcome whatever is in front of you.

Stress can actually help you ace a job interview, power through a deadline, or nail a 3-pointer. But if you’re under chronic stress, your body never gets a break from all those hormones. According to the US National Institute of Mental Health, chronic stress can cause problems with your:

• immune and digestive systems,
• reproductive and cardiovascular systems,
• as well as your sleep.

It can even play a role in serious chronic health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and anxiety. The key with stress is to have a plan to manage it on a day-to-day basis. Exercise and mindfulness practices can help a lot!