Do you feel the urge to run away as far away from stress as possible? To hills maybe. The yearning to achieve a zen-like state and zero-stress is common, but too little stress is as harmful as too much of it, mental health experts say. Instead of living at either extreme, the path of moderation can help you achieve optimal health and productivity.
Many people in today’s times are constantly stressed. Modern lifestyles leave little room to pause, pushing the nervous system into a state of prolonged alertness. Everything seems urgent except the need to relax and unwind. Stuck in the endless loop of stress, one may begin to see stress as their ‘greatest enemy’.
But what if stress disappeared altogether? Would a stress-free life truly lead to better mental health and longevity? What exactly happens when you live without stress? Is it good or bad for you? Does it add years to your life? Financial Express.com got in touch with psychiatrists to understand.
What happens when you are not stressed enough?
Zero stress isn’t the ultimate solution to your problems, say experts. It can in fact make your life dull and boring, killing motivation to do anything, and resulting in sub-standard performance. People may start to emotionally disengage from the world and develop depressive tendencies.
“According to the Yerkes–Dodson Law, an optimum level of stress is essential for efficient performance. When stress levels are lower than required for optimal functioning, it may manifest as reduced motivation, lack of effort, and decreased engagement, resulting in substandard performance and outcomes. In such situations, individuals may experience boredom, procrastination, and emotional disengagement,” Dr Dhvani Satija, Consultant Psychiatrist-Fortis Escorts, Faridabad told Financial Express.com.
Is stress biologically necessary for human survival and daily functioning?
Let’s first understand what stress is and how it helps humans to survive. According to Cleveland Clinic, stress is the natural reaction your body has when changes or challenges occur. Stress responses help your body to adapt to a new situation and aid in acting fast, keeping you alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger. Be it an important test, a deadline, or an emergency, without stress, it’s difficult to respond appropriately.
So it’s safe to say that stress is biologically necessary for human survival and daily functioning.
Dr Anitha Chandra, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, tells Financial Express.com that it isn’t advisable to eliminate stress completely from life. Stress, Dr Chandra says can activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, which helps people react quickly to danger.
“It increases alertness, focus, and energy when facing challenges. Short-term stress can improve performance in tasks like exams, work deadlines, or emergencies. This kind of stress helps the brain and body stay prepared and motivated,” Dr Anitha Chandra, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, told Financial Express.com.
However, beyond a point, stress could turn deadly. Long-term or constant stress can harm mental and physical health. The key is balance, where stress supports action and growth without overwhelming the body or mind.
What is the difference between healthy stress and harmful chronic stress?
It’s clear that we can’t do without stress. But we can certainly avoid chronic stress, one that affects all aspects of health. By embracing healthy stress, one can become a better professional and a happier person. However, one should constantly look out for signs of chronic stress as it can lead to long-term issues.
“Chronic stress can affect sleep, mood, immunity, and heart health. While healthy stress supports growth and action, chronic stress slowly harms both mental and physical well-being,” adds Dr Chandra.
“From a physiological perspective, chronic stress causes prolonged cortisol release, which can contribute to hypertension, elevated blood glucose levels, metabolic disturbances, and increased cardiovascular risk,” says Dr Satija.
How eliminating stress completely affects emotional health
Eliminating stress can affect motivation, focus, and emotional resilience while a small amount of it helps the brain stay alert and engaged, says experts.
Dr Chandra says without any stress, people may feel less driven to act or complete tasks.
“Stress also helps build emotional strength by teaching the mind how to handle challenges. Facing manageable stress and overcoming it can improve confidence and problem-solving skills,” says the psychiatrist.
“When there is no stress at all, life may feel dull or directionless for some people. The goal is not to remove stress completely but to manage it in a healthy way so it supports growth without causing harm,” adds the expert.
What are the earliest physical or psychological signs that stress is becoming toxic?
The first telltale signs is difficulty falling asleep of waking up frequently during night. Dr Chandra says people may feel constantly tired even after proper rest and may.
Chronically stressed people may suffer from irritability, anxiety, or sudden mood changes. They may find small problems overwhelming, says the psychiatrist.
It may also manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, or frequent colds. Chronic stress can also make a person indecisive says Dr Chandra. And finally, long-term stress can make you lose interest in things you once enjoyed.
How to manage stress effectively
Once you have recognised that your stress is chronic, it is time to address it effectively.
Regular physical activity can be your friend as it may aid in releasing stress hormones and improve mood. Dr Chandra advises getting enough sleep to allow the body and mind to recover.
The role of healthy meals comes next along with proper hydration. Taking short breaks during work can prevent mental overload, says the expert.
Deep breathing, stretching, or meditation can also help in calming your nervous system. “Talking to a trusted friend or family member helps release emotional stress. Limiting screen time and practicing hobbies can also help,” adds the expert.
Not stressed enough. Here’s what to do
Take one step at a time. If you feel there is not enough stress in your life, you must take measures that help you stay alert and productive. It is possible to create healthy stress by setting clear goals and deadlines for yourself.
“Trying new challenges or learning new skills can activate your mind. Physical exercise like running or strength training can also create positive stress for the body. Planning your day with purpose helps build structure and drive. Stepping slightly out of your comfort zone can improve confidence and resilience. The aim is to add meaningful challenges, not pressure, so stress supports growth without harming your mental health,” adds Dr Chandra.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the author has incorporated expert medical guidance while producing the story and ensured full authentic information is provided to the reader, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.