8 most unexpected advantages of anxiety

Anxiety can be destructive, but sometimes it is an important part of overcoming yourself.

Artists, comedians, athletes and other performers often talk about how appropriate anxiety is and how it can improve creativity and achievement.

But worry also has some positive things that few people know .

1. People will trust you more

People who feel anxious can easily become confused, but it is not bad because research shows that those people are more reliable.

Dr. Robb Willer, author of the study, explains:

'The degree of confusion is just a sign of virtue.

Our data shows that embarrassment is a good thing, not something that you should resist.

Confusion is an emotional sign of someone you can entrust precious resources.

It is part of the social glue that fosters trust and cooperation in everyday life ".

2. Less fatal accidents

Worried people often say they are less likely to be hurt because they think about the future, but is that true?

Obviously it is true.

A study found that anxious young people are less likely to be killed in an accident than those who are less worried.

The authors explain:

'Our results indicate there are survival benefits of anxiety in early adulthood, but they can be balanced by correlation of survival deficiencies in later life. along with medical problems ".

In other words: anxiety can beat you in the long run, but it helps you live.

3. Stronger memory

Anxious people often think that their memory is poor: they tend to take longer into their decisions, doubt themselves and think about many scenarios in their minds.

However, studies show that their memory is not as bad as they think:

'. the more anxious individuals are unreasonably confident about their memory, especially when they are right, and that allows for more coding time without mitigating the effect.

In general, a series of experiments point to individuals with higher levels of anxiety taking longer to evaluate their memory decisions, suggesting they are more involved in post-memory evaluations than those Their peers are less worried. "

4. Better results on tests (sometimes)

Sometimes, anxiety can have a positive effect on achievement, as long as you don't worry too much.

Another important factor - especially for the success of the test - is having a good memory.

A study found that people with good memory and anxiety were better at taking the test.

Dr. Matthew Owens, who led the study, said:

'Research is interesting because it enhances our knowledge of when anxiety can have a negative impact on taking a test.

The findings also show that there are times when a bit of anxiety in practice can motivate you to succeed. "

5. Good friends

People with social anxiety disorders may find it hard to make friends, but they are viewed more positively by others than they thought.

A new study found that while people with social anxiety thought their friendships were not of the highest quality, their friendship was still positive.

Dr. Thomas Rodebaugh, one of the authors of the study, said:

'People weakened by high social anxiety often think that they are caught much worse than they really are.

This new research shows that the same thing is true in their friendship. "

6. Does not seem worried

You may feel like everyone sees exactly how you are worried, but that's not true.

People with severe anxiety disorders overestimated their symptoms when compared to objective tests.

Serious anxiety, studies show:

they don't sweat as much as they thought,

Their hands don't run as much as they imagine,

and their breath is not as erratic as they thought.

7. More fun

When thinking about almost anything, anxious people tend to expect the worst.

However, those who are socially anxious often prefer social occasions more than they expected.

One study asked people to predict they would like a group celebration on St. John's Day. How much is Patrick's Day.

This finds that people with social anxiety underestimate the joy they will get.

8. Humans need people who are worried

Concerns not only have some personal benefits, but also those who worry can benefit people.

Some scientists argue that intelligence and anxiety co-evolve as beneficial traits.

Dr. Jeremy Coplan, author of the study, explains:

'Although excessive anxiety is generally considered a negative trait and high intelligence is considered a positive trait, anxiety can help our human beings avoid dangerous situations, irrespective of the possibility. How dangerous can it be?

Basically, anxiety can make people 'do not do anything risky, risky' and those people may have a higher survival rate.

So, like intelligence, anxiety can give a species benefit. "

Reference: spring.org.uk.