119. Best Of: How to Embrace the Benefits of Stress

Stress Appraisal

Stress appraisal plays a crucial role in determining how we perceive and respond to stressors. Alia Crum explains that our mindset about stress can significantly influence our performance and behavior in challenging situations. She emphasizes that viewing stress as a challenge rather than a threat can enhance cognitive functioning and physical health 1. Crum notes that public health messaging often portrays stress negatively, which can inadvertently reinforce debilitating mindsets 2.

Our work is not necessarily to find out the truth of stress, what is or what isn't, but to look at how our mindsets, the core assumptions we make about it, shape how we respond in stressful situations.

--- Alia Crum

By shifting our perspective, we can harness stress to elevate our performance and deepen our connections with others.

   

Mindset Influence

The influence of mindset on stress perception is profound, impacting how we perform under pressure. Matt Abrahams discusses with Crum how mindsets are core assumptions that shape our expectations and goals 3. Crum's research shows that altering these mindsets can change our objective reality, affecting our psychological and physiological responses to stress 1.

Mindsets are ways of viewing reality that shape what we expect, what we understand, and what we want to do.

--- Alia Crum

By reframing stress as an opportunity for growth, individuals can improve their communication and confidence in stressful situations.