the truth about stress: why we should chill

Stress has a bad reputation. We often hear about its dangers—how it weakens our immune system, disrupts sleep, and even shortens our lives. But how harmful is stress, really? The pioneering work of endocrinologist Hans Selye, often called the father of stress research, offers a surprising perspective: stress itself isn’t the problem. Instead, it’s how we react to it that matters most.  

“It is not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”
— Hans Selye, The Stress of Life (1956)

Selye’s research revealed that stress is a natural and unavoidable part of life. It isn’t just triggered by negative events, like work deadlines or personal conflicts, but also by positive ones, such as weddings, promotions, or exciting challenges. He called this the general adaptation syndrome, the body’s universal response to any demand, good or bad. What determines whether stress harms us, Selye argued, is our perception of it. If we view stress as overwhelming and uncontrollable, it takes a toll. But if we see it as manageable—or even beneficial—our bodies and minds respond more resiliently.

This insight is empowering. While we can’t eliminate stress, we can control our reactions to it. Studies have shown that people who view stress as a normal, even energizing part of life experience fewer negative health effects. Instead of dreading stress, they harness it—using the adrenaline rush to focus better or the heightened awareness to solve problems. Selye’s work reminds us that stress isn’t inherently destructive; it’s our mindset that makes the difference.  

So, how can we apply this wisdom? First, by reframing stress as a sign that we’re engaged in meaningful challenges, not as a threat. Second, by adopting healthy coping strategies—exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking a step back to reassess. And third, by remembering that stress, in moderation, can sharpen our performance and deepen our experiences.  

Hans Selye’s legacy teaches us not to fear stress but to respect it—and ourselves—enough to manage it wisely. Stress is inevitable, but suffering from it is optional. By changing our reactions, we can navigate life’s pressures with greater ease and turn what seems like a burden into a source of strength.