The Upside of Stress
by Kelly McGonigal
McGonigal argues that stress is harmful mainly when we believe it is, and that viewing stress as a response that helps you rise to challenges changes its physiology and effects. The research is presented carefully with caveats, and the exercises on mindset and 'tend and befriend' are useful. Reassuring without being dismissive.
Read it if…
you are stressed and have added worry about stress on top of it.
Skip it if…
you are in a genuinely harmful situation; mindset is not the whole answer and the author says so.
Three things you will actually use
- Reframe arousal as readiness.
- Connect with others under stress; it is biologically restorative.
- Find meaning in the stress; it is usually attached to what you care about.
Do this first
Next time your heart races before something hard, say 'this is my body helping me' and proceed.
Our verdict
Careful and reassuring; a useful reframe with real evidence.
Compare with other Resilience books
Emotional Agility
Susan David · Resilience
Grounded and practical; an excellent book on handling emotions.
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Rising Strong
Brené Brown · Resilience
Practical and compassionate; a good book for after the fall.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Resilience book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
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