We all think that stress is bad for us and that if not well managed can cause numerous negative effects on our lives. Well, this is quite different from what Kelly McGonigal who is an American health psychologist thinks. In her book, the upside of stress Kelly helps us understand more about stress and how instead of letting it destroy us, we can use it for our benefits. She argues that stress is good for anyone as long as they are prepared to manage it and have the right mindset concerning it. Then she highlights some of the tactics that people can use to properly manage stress.
The effects that stress brings onto one's life depend on mostly on how they view it. Scientifically, research has been done to determine the difference between people who believe that stress is good and those who think that it’s actually harmful (McGonigal, 2015). The findings of the study conclude that those who believe stress is good are likely to be happier and less depressed compared to those who fear stress. The latter are also faced with higher death rates compared to the former. Also, those who get to accept stress are said to develop some life characteristics of coping up with challenges. Based on this study we can at least have something positive to say about stress, that after all, it’s not bad.
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A lot of research has been done before by some of the scientists such as Hans Selye who actually made people believe that stress is harmful and can only bring negative effects (McGonigal, 2015). However, Kelly dismisses this research since the animals used were not subjected to the real human life that we go through daily. She also dismisses what most people believe about stress claiming that it’s all based on a negative mindset. For instance, those who believe that stress is harmful to their bodies, reduces their ability to perform well and reduces their ability to grow are likely to manage stress by avoiding it, yet this is not the best thing to do.
To better manage stress and let it be of benefits we need to change our mindset from negative to positive and Kelly highlights some of the tactics that can be used. Just a few people have managed to build their confidence in stress while majority fear it. For the majority, this journey starts with developing a positive mindset which creates confidence and courage. But how can one change their mindset from negative o positive? This depends solely on the expectations you have, if you expect positive results from accepting stress then it will be so but if your expectations are negative, you’re likely not to benefit from the whole process.
Having changed our mindsets and viewing stress positively then we should benefit from this in a number of ways. First of all, stress gives us the courage to respond to issues. Initially, people were told to try and avoid stress but accepting the situation makes us fearless and we can courageously handle any stressful issue (McGonigal, 2015). This also helps us to stay focused and gives us the energy to go on without giving up.
Also, stress increases connectivity within our brain which in most cases results in positive reaction when we are under pressure. For instance, oxytocin which regulates a system believed to be caregiver helps us to act with empathy and experience a sense of connection with others. Stress also helps us to grow through a number of ways such as, it gives us personal strength, and we learn to appreciate life more, enhance relationships amongst people and give us life directions.
This book is of great importance to anybody’s life and I have personally benefitted from it. From it, I have learned to accept and appreciate the benefits of stress in my life. I know how to handle stressful situations better and that stress can have positive impacts as long as we have a positive mindset about it. I would recommend everyone having a problem with understanding what stress is and how to manage it to use the book. In conclusion, this book gives us a different perception about stress and we should all learn from it.
Reference
McGonigal, K. (2015). The upside of stress: Why stress is good for you, and how to get good at it .
