We’ve all been told repeatedly that Stress is bad for us. Deadly in some cases.
But Health Psychologist Kelly McGonigal presents fascinating new scientific evidence that challenges this idea that stress is the big bad ogre. Studies now indicate that it’s not actually stress that is likely to kill you, but rather it’s the BELIEF that stress is harmful that is the real problem. Seriously!
Not only that, but she goes on to explain how when you experience stress, your pituitary gland releases the hormone oxytocin, which acts as your body’s way of “nudging you” to reach out for supportive relationships with others. Just one of the positive results of stress.
McGonigal made her presentation as a talk at TED Global 2013, which you can scroll down and watch below. (Go on — it runs less than 15 minutes and will probably lower your stress level, maybe even save your life.)
As I watched the video I was struck by the fact that it confirms several things that the Bible has been teaching for thousands of years:
- Stressing your mind and body with challenging work is good for you. In fact it’s a blessing. (Genesis 2:15; Exodus 23:12; Proverbs 10:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:10)
- Your thoughts are very powerful, either for good or evil. Fear and worry over situations are far worse problems than the situations themselves. (Job 3:25; Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6)
- God made us for relationships, and He wired us to reach out for community with one another. (Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; John 13:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Enjoy the video!
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