Why You Shouldn’t Believe Stress Is Bad for You

You’ve probably heard the expression “Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you’re right.” It turns out, the same principle may also apply to how stress affects you. Various studies show stress’s harmful effects on the mind and the body—but some research suggests that may only be true for people who believe stress will harm them. A positive shift in your perception of stress and its impact could actually lessen those effects.

In this video, psychologist Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., explains how you can relate to stress in a way that may improve your well‑being.