In her TED talk, McGonigal reveals crucial information regarding the effects of stress on the human body. She shows that it is beneficial for people to recognize the positive impact of stress in order to reduce its adverse effects (TED, 2013). This revelation is a significant breakthrough that can benefit human society as a whole and needs to become widely known. This paper presents my thoughts on the presentation on stress by Kelly McGonigal.
Many facts highlighted by the author are not widely known, which made me imagine the potential changes in human society that can be achieved by this change in behavior. Most of the physical effects of stress that are currently perceived as adverse, such as increased blood pressure and heavy breathing, are intended to help people in stressful situations (TED, 2013). In this TED (2013), McGonigal reveals that “your stress response wants you to be surrounded by people who care about you” (9:30). By analyzing the past experiences in which this approach could have been helpful, I realized how I could have turned stress into a force for good.
In conclusion, this video made me aware of the other side of stress-induced changes in a human organism. I will definitely attempt to channel the excess energy provided by my organism during stressful situations towards their resolution instead of perceiving it as an obstacle. Both Type A and Type B people can benefit from this approach, as it can help them to live happier lives despite the outcome of stressful situations. Nowadays, many people experience high levels of stress, and if the majority of them will change their perceptions of it, society will be more harmonious.
Reference
TED. (2013). How to make stress your friend | Kelly McGonigal [Video]. YouTube. Web.