Wait—not all stress is bad?

We not only suffer from chronic stress, but also a lack of “good” stress.

Our bodies respond and adapt to small doses of stressors—called hormetic stress—to improve our energy, strength, and even mood. This stress is also known as eustress.

Our modern state of chronic comfort is an assault on our health. We have to proactively insert hormesis into our lives to improve our health.

Hormesis defined

Word salad science definition: Hormesis refers to a biphasic dose–response to an environmental agent characterized by a low dose stimulation or beneficial effect and a high dose inhibitory or toxic effect.

In short, your body is improving itself in response to a challenge. Adaptation to stress is why your body gets stronger with strength training, and improves cardiovascular capacity with cardio workouts.

How do we safely add hormetic stressors to our lives?

•Exercise: short, challenging workouts, like strength training and sprint intervals
•Fasting: especially intermittent fasting
•Sun exposure: LIMITED sun exposure, (roughy 10-30 minutes) depending on your individual response to sun

Be smart

Other, more radical approaches (exposure to temperature extremes, for example) can also introduce hormesis. But, as with everything: know yourself. Use common sense.

Hormetic stress is beneficial in small, controlled doses suited to your individual needs and capacity.

Remember: moderation. “The dose makes the poison,” as the saying goes. Otherwise, eustress shifts to distress: long-term chronic stress that damages your body.

Sources: 1,2,3,4