How to make stress your friend (from A Slight Change of Plans)
Jun 9, 2024
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Explore how changing our mindset towards stress can lead to positive outcomes and improved performance. Learn about the benefits of viewing stress as enhancing rather than debilitating, and the importance of seeking support during stressful times. Discover how stress research and technology intersect in promoting self-awareness and individual well-being.
Stress can be reframed as a beneficial asset for enhancing performance and creativity.
Self-awareness and balanced viewpoints are crucial in managing stress by evaluating available resources.
Deep dives
Redefining Stress as an Asset
Madupay Akinola, a stress expert, challenges the common narrative of stress being negative. She suggests reframing stress as a potent asset that can enhance performance. By adopting a stress-enhancing mindset, individuals can improve their outcomes, as demonstrated in studies where participants showed greater creativity and positivity in response to stress.
Understanding Stress: Demands vs. Resources
A critical aspect of stress is when the demands of a situation surpass one's coping resources. Madupay explains that stress results from a subjective assessment of a situation, where dangers, uncertainty, and heightened effort strain individuals. The perception of resources, including internal abilities and external support, influences the stress response, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and a balanced viewpoint.
Physiological Response to Stress
Stress triggers the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol for fight-or-flight responses. Madupay emphasizes the adaptive nature of stress responses, essential for addressing challenges effectively. However, chronic stress can lead to health issues, underscoring the significance of managing stress levels for overall well-being.
Cultivating a Stress-Enhancing Mindset
Madupay advocates for cultivating a stress-enhancing mindset to harness stress positively. Recognizing stress as a sign of caring about important outcomes can shift perspectives on stress. The mindset shift can boost performance in various contexts, such as negotiations, by empowering individuals to embrace stress as a supportive force rather than a hindrance.
This is an episode of A Slight Change of Plans, a podcast we think you'll enjoy hosted by former TED speaker Maya Shankar. Modupe shares why a simple change in our mindset can turn short-term stress into a helpful resource -- and offers strategies to better understand, and cope with, stress.
If you liked this episode, check out A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get your podcasts.