The Upside of Stress
Book Review
In this classic realistic book by Kelly McGonigal demonstrates that stress is not all that detrimental as conventional wisdom narrates. It is a matter of individuals changing their concept of stress from viewing it as a hurdle to a resource that drives us. Kelly bashes the conventional wisdom that associates stress toxicity as a killer. Kelly asserts that the impact of stress depends on individual perception; those believing it is harmful. Stress causes a positive effect on those people that embrace and apply it to push for a happier life. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation; thus, going against this rule can result in more toxic practices. Kelly’s book “The Upside of Stress” offers a new perspective at the impact of negative thoughts on stress concluding that people might be possessing the wrong perception about stress.
In her latest research, Kelly cites that how we approach the situation is more critical than stress itself. The consensus is that whatever we expect from strain relates accurately to the outcome. For example, if an individual assumes a negative impact, then pressure plus the expectation will lead to a more harmful effect. However, there is more than just the link between hope and stress. Kelly cites an example where individuals with a positive perception about aging, making necessary lifestyle decisions that would turn their attitude into authenticity. For individuals with positive stereotypes on aging possess a durable attitude to live. Similar cases on stress such that individual perception seems to be fundamental in constructing a robust biological framework. Kelly is trying to change our collective understanding of whatever we perceive as obligatory toxicity of pressured life that might be incorrect. She notes that “we are prone to thinking that we need to change all aspects of our lives first, then we turn happier, healthy or whatever we like. However, the knowledge of mindset argues that changing our perception is fundamental to achieving all the changes we want.” The book rebukes the existing beliefs revolving around stress to emphasize on the need to chase the meaning instead of running away from discomfort.
Kelly provides examples of experiments that prove to the people that positive stress perception can turn better and health feelings. For instance, it is in the study where monkeys were segregated from their mothers for an hour each day. The orientation of the experiment is observing whether life stress at a tender age had the potential to have adverse emotions in their adult life, and the outcome was an unexpected one. The pressure resulted in resilience such that these monkeys were a less anxious higher curiosity, and ability to address their mental dysfunction. The experiment exposes expanded prefrontal cortexes, a critical part of the brain responsible for increased functioning. The adaptation was extended to adult life, indicating that life stress may result in varied life trajectories. A relationship exists between stress, compassion, and cooperation, an assertion that for the individuals linked with large than self objectives, they possess better emotions, hope, caring, curiosity, excitement, and inspiration. In the experiment, Kelly wants people to understand that their existing belief in stress is barbaric, and allowing new attitudes would transform our life into an attractive one.
The definite emotional objectives compound with time, along with other social connections to make individuals pursue “we” interests. Social networks hold the key for comprehending and boosting personal reactions to stress. Kelly points three fundamental principles that can help us to have positive thoughts about stress. The first is interpreting body reaction to stress as helpful by perceiving it as our energy to use. Secondly, it entails possessing self-perception that sees the possibility of dealing with stress and even training to apply it for positive benefits. Thirdly is the ability to view weight as an issue faced by everyone instead of something that has interfered with one life only. The topic of stress remains a comprehensive one as the economy turns more robust, offering more options and the need for decisions making a living more chaotic. However, if one is such conditions, the thought-provoking book by Kelly could be a cure as it reveals the reality of the need to welcome the vastly underrated stress benefits. “The Upside of Stress” is a perfect guideline for individuals willing to gather the concept of courage and psychology to flourish in life pressures.