Stress Can Kill You... Only If You Give It That Power

Stress is the monster that we tackle on a daily basis. This fast-paced lifestyle takes a toll on almost everybody. We all are aware of the horrid consequences of regularly occurring moderate or high level stress. Many of us try meditation, yoga and what not to be stress-free. But, according to the research, what really matters is our belief.

As per the research, participants who believed that stress can impact their health were at a 43% higher risk of dying compared to those who did not believe that stress was harmful.

Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, sheds light upon the topic of stress and how to deal with it in a TED Talk. She speaks about body's defense mechanism and how it reacts when in stress.

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Kelly also shares a study conducted at Harvard University, where the participants were told that pounding heart, breaking into sweat, etc is body's way of preparing for stress. These participants handled stress much better. Their bodies were in a relaxed state, almost like it is in moments of happiness.

It's amazing how our mindset can bring a sea change in the outcomes. Like Kelly says, a short intervention can really save a life.