Stress out

Why you shouldn’t worry about worrying

History is full of poets, philosophers and sages espousing the benefits of a positive disposition.

But it seems scientists disagree. Why? Because it pays to worry a little bit - literally.

A study published in the Journal of Behavioural Decision Making in 2012 monitored 213 people’s behaviour in relation to a simulated gambling game.

The study found participants in a sad or worrisome mood were more likely to make logical bets they knew had a higher likelihood of winning, even after a series of losses.

Whereas positive, happy bettors were quicker and more likely to play what they knew was a riskier move. Their jovial outlook influenced them to make unpredictable decisions on gut feelings, despite the opportunity to play a logical bet.

The study shows you are more likely to make winning decisions while you are in an anxious, worried state of mind.

But these findings don’t just apply to gambling.

The positive effect of this negative feeling can impact all aspects of your life and in moderation, worry can work wonders.

Sometimes a negative attitude is actually beneficial trait to have because it allows you to look at a situation in a more realistic light.

Feeling worried means you are more likely to make a logical decision with a higher outcome of success, compared with your cheerful counterpart in the same situation.

Worry can be the side effect of a strong desire to achieve perfection. And in the pursuit of perfection worry can prompt you to double check and even triple check your work.

Without worry there is a risk you can become complacent, a little too relaxed and more likely to make a mistake.

Under a moderate amount of worry you are capable of learning and remembering new information more effectively.

This is because the primary stress hormone, cortisol, improves learning and memory at moderate concentrations compared to low or high concentrations.

People who are more susceptible to worry consequently exhibit the following personality traits:

Pros

• More attentive to detail

• More motivated to work

• More polite and attentive to others

• Vigilant for risks and threats.

Cons

• Overcautious

• Less creative

• At risk of becoming too stressed

• More closed minded.

In comparison, worry-free people exhibit these contrasting behaviours:

Pros

• More creative

• Form better relationships

• Healthier

• Willing to explore.

Cons

• Prone to overlooking threats and dangers

• Open to unwise risks

• More gullible

• Lacking appropriate embarrassment or guilt.