Use stress as a super power!
April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, prompting a reflection on the negative impacts of stress in our lives. Many of us invest significant effort into avoiding or minimising stress, fearing its adverse effects on our health and well-being. Stress can stem from various sources such as work challenges, health diagnoses, or relationship strains, and addressing it is a common concern for many individuals.
As a health coach, I frequently assist clients in developing strategies to mitigate stress. While researching material for this article, I stumbled upon a very interesting TED talk from 2013 by renowned Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal. In her talk, Kelly suggests a fascinating concept: altering our perception of stress can significantly diminish its harmful effects. This revelation challenged my understanding of stress, which predominantly focused on its negative implications.
Kelly's insights were inspired by a study conducted at Harvard, revealing that reframing stress positively can fundamentally alter our physiological response to it. Participants in the study were subjected to intensely stressful situations, such as public speaking about personal weaknesses followed by complex mathematical tasks under scrutiny from a critical audience.
The intriguing twist came in the form of instructions given to a portion of the participants. They were encouraged to perceive stress as a beneficial response, highlighting how increased heart rate signifies enhanced physical strength and accelerated breathing facilitates heightened cognitive function. Remarkably, those who embraced this positive mindset exhibited reduced stress reactions.
Typically, stress triggers a surge in heart rate and constriction of blood vessels, contributing to long-term health risks like heart disease. However, participants who embraced stress positively demonstrated relaxed blood vessels with minimal constriction, indicative of a healthier physiological response.
This study offers a powerful lesson: our perception of stress profoundly influences its impact on our bodies. While traditional stress management techniques like exercise, sleep, and relaxation remain invaluable, the power of positive thinking offers a compelling supplement. So, next time you're faced with a hectic morning or a frustrating setback, consider reframing stress as a catalyst for strength and resilience. By embracing stress as a friend rather than the enemy, we can navigate life's challenges with greater composure and vitality.
I regularly organise corporate events on managing stress to thrive in the workplace, please reach out if you’d like further information.
