Most of us have been taught that stress is harmful and should be reduced, managed, or avoided. Stanford psychologist and bestselling author Kelly McGonigal spoke out against this view in a 2013 TED Talk, "How to Make Stress Your Friend." Now here she is with a book hurrahing stress which can "transform fear into courage, isolation into connection, and suffering into meaning."
The real enemy is the mindset against stress. The author challenges us to (1) learn a new point of view, (2) do an exercise that encourages you to adopt and apply the new mindset, and (3) provide an opportunity to share the idea with others. McGonigal believes that embracing stress is a radical act of self-trust. It engenders a growth mindset which is helpful when turning overwhelm into hope. It helps us take on bigger-than-self goals. Throughout the book, she provides reflection questions, exercises, and strategies to help us practice using stress positively.
The benefits of rethinking stress are increasing a sense of personal strength, opening up to a greater appreciation for life, propelling spiritual growth, and identifying new possibilities and life directions.
