Hormesis and Good stress

Hormesis is the body’s adaptation to a stressor, which makes it stronger. We all know that prolonged stress is terrible for us and causes or contributes to so many unhealthy conditions. But specific types of stress in short doses is actually very good for us in a host of ways. For example, if we carried around a set of dumbbells all day long it would over-tax our system and have detrimental effects on us; but if we use those dumbales for a short intense workout our bodies are stimulated from it and adapt (muscles grow stronger/bigger). THe same is true when we use cold or heat exposure. If we were in intense heat all day long or intense cold for prolonged periods it coils lead to heat exhaustion (heat) or hypothermia (cold) but short intense exposures (saunas and/or cold baths) have amazing benefits!