Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal shares that how we view our stress response could change the effect stress has on our bodies. Many of us are aware that high stress levels can increase risks of heart disease, cause weight changes, increase muscle tension, complicate digestion, and affect mood and sleep quality. Kelly suggests that if we choose to train our minds to believe that stress is the process of our bodies rising to the occasion to support us, we could mitigate health complications associated with stress. She also explains that the body releases oxytocin during stress, which can protect heart function and pushes us to seek human connection. She suggests that human connection and caring for others helps create resilience in the body. So, is it time to change the way we think about stress? It may be a positive step in your journey towards managing stress more effectively.
Changing The Way We Think About Stress