Transform Stress Through Meaning

Reappraising the meaning behind stressors is a more effective strategy than attempting to eliminate the associated emotions entirely. The narratives we construct about our experiences are critical to how we perceive and react to them. Engaging in competitive scenarios, such as rivalry and contests, highlights our instinctual drive to make sense of events and interactions. For instance, a conversation that lacks tension can be re-energized by explicitly expressing the desire for a more dynamic exchange, reminding us of the importance of clear communication in fostering engaging interactions.