Most people know that raising children is a challenge. The act of childbirth itself is an intensely stressful event. Despite this fact, women continue to have babies and families flourish. The strong desire to love and care for one's own tends to overshadow the trepidation associated with raising children. Caretaking is a core phenomenon found in all mammals and is reciprocal to attachment.
Stress can also serve as an impetus for production and creativity.
The world would probably not be so rich with talent and intellect if there weren't societal pressures to earn a living and do something meaningful in life. Inertia is a strong force in nature and humans can easily succumb to its pull. Studies have shown, for example, that students perform better academically when working under pressure. Students of a Canadian community college were asked to participate in a research project aimed at reduction of their stress-related exam anxiety. The volunteer students followed an intensive and systematic relaxation program.