Want to Turn Stress Into a Superpower? Here are Four Ways How

Dr. Crum and her team embarked on a series of experiments to investigate whether individuals with a "stress is debilitating" mindset could undergo a transformation. The key question was whether it was possible to instill a positive perspective on stress through a metacognitive approach.

The researchers introduced participants to a step-by-step metacognitive process designed to reshape their mindset about stress. The experiments conducted both in-person and online consistently demonstrated that individuals could indeed alter their mindset from "stress is debilitating" to "stress is enhancing." This shift led to tangible improvements in physical health and interpersonal skills.

As you consider the findings of this study, reflect on your own experiences with stress. Have there been times when stress has propelled you forward or times when it seems overwhelming? If this resonates with you, consider the following four steps to positively transform your relationship with stress:

Begin by exploring how your mindset about stress has shaped your experiences. Take a moment to reflect on occasions when stress has played a positive or negative role in your life. Have you ever embraced a challenging task, or perhaps avoided something important due to stress?

Now, let's identify a recurring stressor in your life. Focus on observation rather than immediate problem-solving. Describe the emotional, physical, and behavioural aspects of your stress response.

Recognise that stress often stems from a deep concern or investment in a particular aspect of your life. Identifying the source of stress allows you to reframe it as a sign of caring or importance. You can complete this sentence as an exercise: "I am stressed about this because I care about..."

You can also try The Five Whys, which is a powerful tool for dissecting stressors. Start by asking "why" in response to your initial stressor, and continue this process at least five times, each time probing deeper into the core issues. This method helps reveal the true origins of stress, enabling targeted and effective coping strategies.

The final step involves transforming stress into a source of growth. Explore how stress could benefit you in a given situation. What opportunities does it provide? What changes can you make to leverage stress for a more enriching experience? Remember, this is about empowering yourself to navigate stress and harness it for personal growth.

Discover the profound impact of these simple yet powerful steps on your life. As you embark on this transformative journey, take the first step toward turning stress into a superpower and explore coaching for personalised guidance and support. Keep in mind that it’s your right to cultivate a mindset that empowers you to thrive.

References:

Crum AJ, Santoro E, Handley-Miner I, Smith EN, Evans K, Moraveji N, et al. Evaluation of the “rethink stress” mindset intervention: A metacognitive approach to changing mindsets. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2023 Sep;152(9):2603–22.

Turn stress into a superpower. Precision Nutrition. (n.d.).