Stress has gotten a bad reputation.
Were constantly told to avoid it, manage it, or eliminate it entirely.
But what if weve been thinking about stress all wrong?
It leads to systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a host of chronic diseases.
Good stress, on the other hand, is brief, intermittent, and followed by recovery.
This pop in of stress, known ashormetic stress, canactually make us more resilient.
Exercise as a good stressor
Exercise is one of the most powerful forms of good stress.
But it has to be therightkind of stress.
If youreshort on time, a little vigorous movement can go a long way.
How phytochemicals strengthen cells
Plants face stress in their environmentharsh weather, predators, pathogens.
To survive, they producephytochemicals, which enhance their resilience.
When we consume these compounds, we inherit theirstress-fighting benefits.
Prioritizing nutrient-dense, phytochemical-rich foods can have profound longevity benefits.
Bergquists go-to sources?Wild berries, leafy greens, coffee, and tea.
For optimal benefits, aim for water temperaturesbetween 50-60Fand gradually build up from 30 seconds tothree to five minutes.
This processtriggers nitric oxide production, which helps protect against cardiovascular disease.
Experts recommend about57 minutes of sauna use per week,divided into multiple sessions.
Both extremestoo much stress and none at allcan be detrimental, while moderate, controlled stress fosters resilience.
Our bodies and brains are built to adapt, but only if we give them a reason to.
Over time, our comfort zone either expands or contracts based on how much we push ourselves.
The takeaway
Instead of fearing stress, we shouldharness it.
In the end, stress isnt the enemyits the key to a healthier, longer life.
