Overview
Our central nervous system (CNS) is a fascinating entity that allows us to unveil the marvelous phenomena of this universe.
We simply cannot cover every function that the brain ensures!
However, the CNS still has limitations that may lead to dire consequences in some cases. A classic example would be the brain’s inability to differentiate psychological from organic stress.
Generally speaking, stress is an important stimulus that keeps people going in their everyday life. However, if it becomes chronic, the body reacts as if you’re running for your life in the jungle.
The first thing that gets activated is the sympathetic nervous system, which is often referred to as the “fight or flight” system.
As a result, stress hormones’ (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol) serum levels skyrocket, which is normal and favorable at the acute phase, but pathological and destructive in the long run.
In this article, we will answer the important question about when is stress a good thing and when it’s bad.
When is stress good and when is it bad?
As mentioned earlier, the physiological response to stress is natural and essential for the survival of our species.
If we remove stress from the equation of productivity, nothing will ever get done. People just need stress to prepare for exams, work on projects, and live a healthier life.
Unfortunately, our new lifestyle altered this response, where many people are undergoing this “supposedly” temporary stress for years!
Consequently, the stress hormones wreak havoc on our bodies, simulating the act of running away from a bear, but in this case, the chase lasts for several years or even decades.
