Eustress and Hormesis

There is always a lot of talk about so-called stress in modern life. I question this, because our lives are actually much, much easier than ever before in history. The kind of stresses we have in our lives today are child's play, compared to the kind of stresses that our ancestors dealt with daily!

Also, there is not enough appreciation of good stress - eustress. Eustress is a positive stress that engages us and makes us stronger, faster, better, happier! It's that exciting feeling of taking on and overcoming challenges. We shouldn't fear or avoid stress. We should embrace it as a challenge! Be ambitious, take intelligent risks, live life without fear!

Along the same line is hormesis. Hormesis is a benefit derived from small doses of things that would usually be toxic to us. For example, sunlight and vaccines. Calorie restriction and fasting fall within this as well. These challenges to our system are good for us!

Our bodies actually are healthiest and at their optimum with eustress and hormesis on a regular basis. I am going to embrace challenges every day!

Roasted beef tongue with hickory smoked sea salt