People Who Worry More Are Smarter—So Keep on Stressing

Updated 6/19/2020

New York Magazine's Science of Us video explains how worrying (and anxiety) is actually making you smarter in the long run.

You’d never think that anxiety could be a good thing, right?

If you’re like me, you probably get cold sweats when interviewing, or can feel your heart beat out of your chest whenever speaking in front of a large group of people, or generally just have that pit in your stomach. And I would say that 10 times out of 10, that’s a horrible feeling.

Well, this New York Magazine video explains that worrying is actually linked to higher intelligence. So basically, all that anxiety is making you smarter. You read that right—smarter.

Photo of worried woman courtesy of Shutterstock.

Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. She’s written almost 500 articles for The Muse on anything from productivity tips to cover letters to bad bosses to cool career changers, many of which have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., CNBC's Make It, USA Today College, Lifehacker, Mashable, and more. In addition to being an avid writer and reader, Alyse loves to dance, both professionally and while waiting for the subway. You can follow her work on her website, Twitter, or LinkedIn.