You’ve Probably Heard This Wild Story—But Here’s Why It Matters

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The Surprising Science Behind Stress That Actually Heals You

You’ve Probably Heard This Wild Story—But Here’s Why It Matters

In 135 BCE, King Mithridates VI watched his father die from arsenic poisoning. Determined not to suffer the same fate, he began taking small doses of poison daily. Over the years, he built up a strange immunity. When enemies finally cornered him, he tried to take his own life using a lethal poison. His daughters died from the same mixture—but Mithridates survived. His body had adapted.

Whether that story is real or not, it points to something powerful: the idea that little, controlled discomfort can build strength. Today, we call this eustress—positive stress that strengthens the body and the mind.

What’s This Got to Do With You?

Many Christian professionals feel constantly overwhelmed, anxious, and tired. But ironically, part of the solution might be found in small doses of intentional challenge. Things like:

• Cold plunges (ice baths)

• Fasting from food or social media

• Nature walks in rough weather

• Short, hard workouts

These things might sound hard, but they actually help your body and brain.

Scripture Has Been Saying It All Along

Romans 5:3–4 says:

Jesus often withdrew to lonely, uncomfortable places (Luke 5:16), not to avoid people—but to recharge in the quiet. He fasted, walked long distances, and endured hard conditions. Why? Because growth often happens through the challenge, not the comfort.

What Science Says About Eustress

Science now shows that cold exposure, exercise, and fasting:

• Increase dopamine and mood stability

• Reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity

• Help the body clear out damaged cells through a process called autophagy

• Boost stress tolerance for high-pressure situations

According to Dr. Andrew Huberman (a neuroscientist at Stanford), regular cold exposure and controlled stressors can make your nervous system more resilient and less reactive.

How to Try It Without Burning Out

You don’t need to start jumping into ice lakes. Try this:

1. Take a cold shower for the last 30 seconds.

2. Fast from screens for a morning or an entire day.

3. Walk outside in the early morning—even when it’s cold or rainy.

4. Do a short, intense workout—just 5 to 10 minutes.

Make it a habit. Let it stretch you, not break you.

Why This Matters for Christian Professionals

If you’re stressed, anxious, and tired of being tired—start with what God gave you: breath, light, cold, hunger, silence.

They’re not punishments. They’re tools.

As the Psalms say:

You’re not meant to avoid every hardship. You’re meant to become stronger in Christ through it.

Action Step: One Small Challenge Today

Pick one:

• Cold shower

• Skip your phone for 2 hours

• Walk outside in silence

• Delay your next meal for one hour

Don’t try to do everything. Do one thing. Let that be your starting point.

Your mind and body will thank you.
And so will your spirit.