The Good Side of Stress

There are three things we're guaranteed in life, says health educator Carol J. Scott, MD: "Death, taxes, and stress." And that can be a good thing—the stress part, that is. Because while chronic stress—the kind that never seems to let up—can set off dangerous inflammation in the body, increasing your risk for heart disease, obesity, and breast cancer, it turns out that in small doses, stress is actually healthy.

Short-term stress triggers the production of protective chemicals and increases activity in immune cells that boost the body's defenses; think of it as having your own personal repair crew. "A burst of stress quickly mobilizes this 'crew' to damaged areas where they are likely to be needed," explains Firdaus Dhabhar, PhD, director of research at the Stanford University Center on Stress and Health.

As a result, your brain and body get a boost. A quick surge of stress can stave off disease: Studies suggest that it strengthens the immune system, makes vaccinations more effective, and may even protect against certain types of cancer. Small amounts of stress hormones can also sharpen your memory. In 2009 University at Buffalo researchers found that when rats were forced to swim—an activity that stresses them out—they remembered their way through mazes far better than rats that chilled out instead.

The key, of course, is balance. Too little stress and you're bored and unmotivated; too much and you become not just cranky but sick. "It's important to pay attention to your stress thermometer," and to stay below the boiling point, explains life coach Ruth Klein, author of The De-Stress Diva's Guide to Life.

Let off some steam: 4 simple ways to achieve stress equilibrium

1. Phone a friend. Strange as it may sound, stress can increase production of the hormone oxytocin, which helps you connect with others. One theory is that a blast of oxytocin provides a kind of coping mechanism, helping to convert stressful experiences into opportunities for social bonding, which research shows can lower cortisol levels.

2. Take a whiff of lavender. In 2008 Japanese researchers reported that the aroma reduces stress levels in people forced to do tough math problems. Keep a small bottle of lavender oil or lotion in your purse for when you're feeling overwhelmed.

3. Sip black tea. University College London scientists found that black-tea drinkers had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol after a stressful event than those who consumed other hot beverages.

4. Get some distance. When you're slammed with something really stressful—a huge work deadline, an unexpected visit from the in-laws—don't panic. Instead, pretend you've been asked to advise a friend or family member in need, and think through the problem systematically, says Carol J. Scott, MD. "When women distance themselves slightly from stressors, they make excellent problem solvers, in part because of their unique mixture of creative, intuitive, and analytical thinking skills."

More stress relief: Get Dr. Oz's top 7 ways to stay calm