Section 2: Stress
Video
Introduction
In this short video, neuroendocrinology researcher and professor at Stanford University, Robert Sapolsky, explains stress psychology. Then, he compares the stress response of animals to humans. The main difference between humans and animals' stress responses is that we often have an anticipatory stress response for situations we think might potentially be stressful. The problem with this? This anticipatory stress response can cause a long-term, chronic problem for humans.
Introduction
For several years the narrative around stress has been that it is harmful to our health and should be avoided at all costs. Kelly McGonigal challenges this idea and says that what matters is how we think about stress. Research has shown that our physical stress response will change if we view stress as helpful for performance. In other words, if we change our mind, we can change how our body responds.
Video
We often think of stress negatively, but did you know that stress can be good for you? This article discusses the difference between eustress (good stress) and bad stress and gives you strategies to change how you perceive stress.