Research: this is the only benefit of stress

Having your head so full that you don't know where to look for it anymore. You can't think clearly, find everyone exhausting, and you don't really have time for anything. Nowhere.

In other words: you have stress. We all have stress, women a bit more than men. For women, taking on more work than they can actually handle is the biggest stress factor., For men, a difficult relationship with colleagues usually causes the most headaches. And although that worrying and all those concerns can sometimes be a bit much, it also serves a purpose. Because stress certainly doesn't only have disadvantages.

The big advantage of stress is that you perform better. Stress signals to yourself and your body that something needs to happen. That change is necessary. That something has to be finished. That something can't wait any longer. That you need to change something in your life so that you can get back into your relaxed mood. It ensures that your body keeps recovering and improving. People often indicate that they have learned the most in their lives during times of stress. In short, it may not always feel pleasant, but it can be very valuable.

In times of stress, you learn what is really important to you and especially: who is important to you.. You no longer have time for all sorts of vague acquaintances, no. Your true friends remain. They support you. That is also nice: knowing who you have a lot from and who a little less. It gives you insights that you would never have gained in calm times.

So if you have a full head and are awake worrying about everything that still needs to be done, remember: you are also just doing very well.

FACTS

• Not being able to work due to too much stress is most common when you are between 35 and 44 years old.
• At least 30% of the Dutch have sleep problems.
• If you end up at home with a burnout due to too many worries at work, you are on average at home for 242 days.