Want to feel superhuman? It’s time to get stressed!
Stress has a bad reputation these days, but it’s really the key ingredient for success!
Think about the last time you felt unstoppable, or super-focused… you were probably experiencing the perfect amount of stress. Unfortunately, even though it’s a wonderful thing, having too much stress can make us feel sick (just like eating too much chocolate!).
As a researcher, I use people’s hair as clues to try and figure out who is performing best when it comes to stress. I’m interested in stress because it’s involved in absolutely everything. It has a big role to play in what we do, how we feel and – importantly – how we can stay strong or clever as we get older.
Some clever people seem to be very good at running their brains on the perfect amount of stress. They can control their stress levels, even after living through distressing events like bushfires or floods. I lke to investigate these people, and gather clues, so I can share their healthy secrets with everyone else!
Being seriously stressed-out is no fun, particularly if it lasts a long time. The goal of my research is to keep us as happy and healthy as possible throughout later life. One way to do that is through uncovering the ways that people can cope – and even grow – from stressful experiences.
Like fresh leaves sprouting from the ashes, I think stress is the secret to being our best selves even when times are tough.
