We always hear about stress being an enemy to our good health. For example, stress can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, increased blood pressure, and insomnia. Stress can play a part in problems like heart attacks, arthritis, and asthma.

“I had worked all those years to merely survive and never live. Graduating college seemed like a far-fetched dream and now I am living that dream.”

However, a recent study shows that stress many only be detrimental when viewed as negative. Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal explores how seeing stress in a more positive way can actually reduce the risk of stress-related health issues. Next time you are in a stressful situation and your heart begins to beat faster, maybe you start to sweat, interpreting these actions as your body preparing you to conquer your stressful task will allow you to reduce the negative health effects of stress.