I recently re-read, “The Upside of Stress” by Dr. Kelly McGonigal. Here’s a quick summary of it.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is an inevitable part of life. Most of us are familiar with the negative effects of stress, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and decreased overall well-being. But what if I told you that stress can actually be beneficial for us? This is the idea that psychologist and health researcher Kelly McGonigal explores in her TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend.”
According to McGonigal, the negative effects of stress are not caused by stress itself, but rather by the belief that stress is harmful to our health. This belief can cause the physical stress response to become harmful, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and negative health effects.
On the other hand, if we can change our belief about stress, we can actually make it work in our favor. When we view stress as an opportunity for growth and improvement, it becomes a powerful tool for personal development. This perspective shift can help us harness the energy of stress and channel it into positive outcomes.
One of the key benefits of stress is increased resilience. When we are faced with a stressor, our bodies naturally respond by releasing hormones that help us handle the situation. This stress response can actually make us stronger and better equipped to handle future stressors. For example, studies have shown that people who experience stressful events and view them as opportunities for growth are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and burnout.
Another benefit of stress is increased creativity. When we are under stress, our brains are naturally more alert and focused, allowing us to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems. This is why many artists and entrepreneurs find that they are able to perform at their best when under a tight deadline or facing a challenging situation.
Finally, stress can help us build stronger relationships with others. When we are faced with stress, our natural response is to reach out for support from our friends and family. This helps us to develop deeper connections and can lead to more meaningful relationships in the long run.
So how can we make stress our friend? The first step is to change our belief about stress. Instead of viewing it as a negative force, we need to see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. This requires us to reframe our thinking and view stress in a positive light.
Next, we need to develop healthy coping mechanisms that allow us to channel the energy of stress into positive outcomes. This could involve exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking a few deep breaths to calm down.
Finally, it is important to have a support system in place. When we are under stress, it is natural to reach out for support from those around us. Having a strong network of friends and family can help us handle stress in a positive way and prevent it from becoming harmful.
In conclusion, stress is an inevitable part of life, but it can actually be beneficial for us if we view it in the right way. By changing our belief about stress, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and having a strong support system in place, we can be ready for life’s challenges and make stress our friend. So the next time you find yourself under stress, remember to take a deep breath and see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.