People may be able to process bad news better when they are stressed

Stress is one of the worst enemies for a person’s physical as well as mental well being. But while it leaves people lost and frustrated, can something good come out of it.

Research has found that while it may lead to exasperation, stress can help people process bad news better. Fire-fighters studied were found to be more vigilant as they keenly processed details of bad news in times of stress.

This sharpening of the mind was found to be caused by rising cortisol levels that formed a tunnel vision to focus on threats at hand. The study comes after previous observations that showed how people are hardwired to see the bright side which may not always be good.

But in the time of social media focussing on details may also lead to mass hysteria and over-exaggeration.