“Good” stress is still stress.

“Stress, often a cause of anxiety, is a factor that has been shown to predispose chronic sufferers to develop many diseases including heart attack, cancer, infections and other neurological disorders. Meditation has proven to be a very good solution for stress management.” (1. NIH, 2015)

When a person is feeling stress, a chemical cascade of hormones is released. These hormones include adrenaline and cortisol, and effect the body in various ways. The adrenaline increases the heartrate pumping more blood to the muscles to be able to react, cortisol affects almost every system in the body and increases blood sugar for energy to be utilized in fight or flight.

Eustress, or stress that is seen as positive or beneficial, can still be a strain on the mind and body. When a stressful thought or event happens, the body does not know the difference between “good” or “bad” stress. Sometimes even the events that we are excited about can trigger stress hormones and create nervousness and anxiety. The feelings that we get when we are anticipating an experience can produce the same response in the body as when we are in danger.

A regular movement and restorative practice has been proven to help prevent stress-induced anxiety and chronic conditions. Yoga and meditation relieve stress, reducing the build-up of excess stress hormones in the tissues of the body. These practices also produce relaxation hormones and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, (2. NIH, 2015) which increase the quality of sleep and decrease depression and anxiety.

1.,2. Krishnakumar D, Hamblin MR, Lakshmanan S. Meditation and Yoga can Modulate Brain Mechanisms that affect Behavior and Anxiety-A Modern Scientific Perspective. Anc Sci. 2015 Apr;2(1):13-19. doi: 10.14259/as.v2i1.171. PMID: 26929928; PMCID: PMC4769029.