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How would you make stress your friend and condition your mind to achieve peak performance?
In order to use stress positively, authors Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, share in their book, Peak Performance, four processes to help you grow:
- Identify the Skill You Want to Develop. “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” —
- Introduce Stress.
- Incorporate Rest.
- Repeat the Cycle.
What would you do differently to make stress your friend?
Here are some suggestions on how to use a moment of stress to get you focused:
- Write it out. Journaling is a great way to get your insides out.
- Let it motivate you. Take it as a challenge.
- Talk to a friend. Heck, talk to anyone!
- Talk to yourself. Sounds weird, right?
- Pause and breathe.
Why stress is a good thing?
The stress response is designed to help us react when something potentially threatening happens, to help us deal with it and learn from it. Our research shows that moderate, short-lived stress can improve alertness and performance and boost memory.
Can stress be your friend?
Stress is not the enemy. Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal says if you can change the way you think about it, it can even become your friend. McGonigal says people believe the visible signs of stress, like sweating and increased breathing, means that stress has taken over—that the body isn’t handling it well.
How do you stress your friend Discussion Questions?
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION view it as harmful to your health? Has this video changed your perspective? Why or why not?
How can you see stress positively?
10 ways to turn stress into a positive
- Build a ‘stress wall’ During stressful periods, you might feel bombarded by stressful thoughts that trigger anxiety.
- Stop living in the world of what if…
- Focus on positive people.
- Learn to let go.
- Set a deadline.
- Be present and mindful.
- Focus on what you want.
- Be grateful.
In 2012 a study by researchers at the University of Freiburg suggests that stress can help you make friends. In other words, they were more willing to trust their partner and showed a greater propensity to share and exhibited lower levels of stress.