We all know stress is very bad your body and for your overall health but did you know certain kinds of stress can actually be...GOOD? There is something called "Hormetic stress" that, when applied in moderation, can actually have beneficial effects.

"They're definitely seeing more energy in the afternoon. They're sleeping better. They have better attention."

That's what clients of the (sweathouse) SWTHZ in Boardman tell the owners there.
SWTHZ specialize in saunas and cold baths for their health benefits.

You start the process with about 35 minutes in your own private sauna.

"You're sweating out micro-plastics and things like that but mostly you're putting trace amounts of stress on the body. The long-term benefits of sauna show a 40% reduction in all-risk morbidity and mortality. A 51% reduction in heart attack and stroke.and long term studies show a 30% reduction in dementia," said Ron Taylor at SWTHZ.

Top it off with a cold plunge in 50 degree water and a vitamin shower and you'll feel the anti inflammatory benefits in no time. Shock proteins then flood your body making you feel, well, just GOOD.
These are called Hormetic Stressors, exposing the body to small, short bouts of stress. They've been medically proven to help you lead healthier, longer lives.

Think, "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger." Just be sure not to overdo it or just jump into it.

"Any kind of change you want to do especially physical change as far as exercise or sauna or cold baths, definitely consult a doctor before pursuing any of that because there are a lot of people with underlying medical problems and I may not be a good idea to do that," said Dr. Mike Sevilla of Salem Care Center.

Ideally, sauna use should be limited to 4 times a week and the cold plunges, not more than 10 minutes a week.

Other Hormetic stressors include bouts of moderate intense exercise and intermittent fasting. That means, for example, skipping breakfast and eating lunch and dinner and then nothing until the next day.

"What that does to the body is it says 'Hey! I'm not processing food so I have to use some of the energy I have' and sometimes that can help burn calories in the body but if you do it too much, that's too much stress on your body and that can be harmful," added Dr. Sevilla.

Again, moderation is the key with Hormetic stressors. And if your doctor says it's for you, you might want to take the plunge.