You don't have to eliminate stress entirely—instead, learn to harness it effectively.
At Santé, we've covered stress management extensively, often focusing on ways to reduce it. But health psychologist Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress, argues we shouldn't aim to banish stress altogether.
Stress is a natural part of being human
It signals that you've taken a risk, made a bold step, or simply care deeply about your work, life, or family. Far from being purely negative, it's a normal emotion that reflects engagement with what matters.
Understand the root of your stress
McGonigal recommends reflecting on why you're feeling stressed. The reasons vary: perhaps it's your drive to excel at work, or the demands of parenthood that bring both joy and tension.
Embrace rather than avoid it
Rather than dodging stress or fighting it off, acknowledge it and explore what specifically troubles you. This shift in perspective can transform how you respond.
What do you do when stressed?
