The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It Hardcover – 5 May 2015

Review

Praise for Kelly McGonigal and "The Willpower Instinct"
"Tired of the endless debate about whether man possesses free will or is predestined to lounge about gobbling Krispy Kreme donuts while watching TV? If you want action, not theory, "The Willpower Instinct" is the solution for the chronically slothful."
--" USA Today"
"Refreshingly easy to read and peppered with stories of people who have successfully used its methods, "The Willpower Instinct" is a new kind of self-help book. Using science to help explain the "why" and strategies for the "how," McGonigal has created a book that will appeal to those who want to lose a few pounds as well as those who are eager to understand why they just cannot seem to get through their to-do list. A must-read for anyone who wants to change how they live in both small and big ways."
--" Bookpage"
"A fun and readable survey of the field, bringing willpower wisdom out of the labs."
-- "TIME "magazine
""The Willpower Instinct" combines the braininess of a Malcolm Gladwell bestseller with the actual helpfulness of an Idiots' Guide to not being lazy. If you are trying to lose weight, train for an athletic event, become more successful at work, rid yourself of toxic habits...heck, if you're HUMAN, you need to read this book."
-- "Library Thing"
"This book has tremendous value for anyone interested in learning how to achieve their goals more effectively. McGonigal clearly breaks down a large body of relevant scientific research and its applications, and shows that awareness of the limits of willpower is crucial to our ability to exercise true self control."
-- Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., author of the bestselling "Brain Lock"
"What a liberating book! Kelly McGonigal explains the scientific reality of willpower, exploding the myths that most of us believe. Stronger willpower--based on inspiring facts, not oppressive nonsense--is finally within everyone's reach."
-- Geoff Colvin, author of "Talent Is Overrated"


Advance Praise for "The Upside of Stress: "
"In this smart, practical book, Kelly McGonigal shows that stress isn't nearly as bad as its reputation. In fact, if we change our mindsets just a bit, we can transform stress from a barrier that thwarts to a resource that propels us. "The Upside of Stress" is a perfect how-to guide for anyone who wants to tap into the biology of courage and the psychology of thriving under pressure."
--Daniel H. Pink, author of "Drive" and "To Sell Is Human"
"A fascinating tour of cutting-edge research on how stress affects us in ways, both good and bad, that we never suspect. McGonigal brings scientific studies to life, makes her lessons tangible and provides fascinating take-aways for anyone who experiences stress -- which, let's face it, is all of us, often all the time."
--Charles Duhigg, MBA, author of "The Power of Habit"
" "
"A courageous, counterintuitive, and convincing case for a big idea: stress can be good for you. This enchanting, evidence-based book has already transformed how I think about stress, and I recommend it highly to anyone who lives in the 21st century."
--Adam Grant, Ph.D., Wharton professor and author of "Give and Take"
" "
"Through stories and science, McGonigal reveals how to change your mindset and tap into your resources for handling stress."
--Amy Cuddy, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of "Presence"
" "
""The Upside of Stress" turns our common misunderstanding of what we often believe is the necessary toxicity of a pressured life completely upside down. Kelly McGonigal powerfully teaches us how to transform the suffering of misguided stress into a meaningful and thriving life. Read this book even if you think you are too stressed to take the time--It has the potential to change your life forever."
--Daniel J Siegel, M.D., author of "Mindsight "and" Brainstorm "
" "
"Often we regard stress as a regrettable but necessary evil -- the heavy price we pay for achievement in a fast-forward, competitive, "always on" world. In this important and engaging book, Kelly McGonigal challenges us to discard that familiar, fear-based mindset and embrace stress as a path to realizing our most creative potential."
--Steve Silberman, author of "NeuroTribes"
" "
"Kelly McGongial debunks decades of myths that have persisted around stress. The book is research based, immensely practical, compelling and insightful from the first page. This book will be a game changer for countless people."
--Jim Loehr, EdD, Co-Founder of the Human Performance Institute and author of "The New Toughness Training for Sports"
" "
""The Upside of Stress "delivers an important truth: it is better to chase meaning than try to avoid discomfort. Through the insights of this book, you'll find your courage to pursue what matters most and trust yourself to handle any stress that follows."
--Nilofer Merchant, CEO, Silicon Valley strategist, and author of "The New How"
" "
"Kelly McGonigal has pulled back the curtain to reveal what allows exceptional people and organizations like my Navy SEAL brotherhood to thrive through adversity. True excellence is only achieved under great adversity, and by embracing those challenges with a positive mindset."
--Scott Brauer, Co-Founder of Acumen Performance Group, and former Navy SEAL and U.S. Naval Officer
"The upside of Kelly McGonigal is that she not only shows how what we thought we knew about stress was backwards, but that getting it right will change your life for the better. This book provides an accessible user's guide to leveraging the most cutting edge research in psychology and neuroscience to enhance your health and well-being."
--Matthew D. Lieberman, PhD, Chair of Social Psychology at University of California Los Angeles
For those individuals and teams that discover that stress "is" life's secret ingredient, they will be rewarded with expanded self confidence and rapidly growing organizations.
--Robert Daugherty, chairman of Knowledge Investment Partners, LLC
If you've ever complained of being stressed out, you need to read this perceptive, thought-provoking book. Kelly McGonigal reveals the surprising truth about why we should embrace the many unsung benefits of stress. "The Upside of Stress" will change the way you think--and it will change your experience of your life.
--Gretchen Rubin, author of "Better Than Before "and "The Happiness Project"
" "
The message that stress can actually convey health benefits is important and needs to be heard. This thoughtful analysis on the role of mindset will prompt you to re-think your relationship with stress, and help you realize its benefits.
--Andrew Weil, MD, author of "Spontaneous Happiness"
" "

Praise for Kelly McGonigal and "The Willpower Instinct"
"Tired of the endless debate about whether man possesses free will or is predestined to lounge about gobbling Krispy Kreme donuts while watching TV? If you want action, not theory, "The Willpower Instinct" is the solution for the chronically slothful."
--"USA Today"
"A fun and readable survey of the field, bringing willpower wisdom out of the labs."
-- "TIME "magazine

Advance Praise for "The Upside of Stress: "
In this smart, practical book, Kelly McGonigal shows that stress isn t nearly as bad as its reputation. In fact, if we change our mindsets just a bit, we can transform stress from a barrier that thwarts to a resource that propels us. "The Upside of Stress" is a perfect how-to guide for anyone who wants to tap into the biology of courage and the psychology of thriving under pressure.
Daniel H. Pink, author of "Drive" and "To Sell Is Human"
A fascinating tour of cutting-edge research on how stress affects us in ways, both good and bad, that we never suspect. McGonigal brings scientific studies to life, makes her lessons tangible and provides fascinating take-aways for anyone who experiences stress -- which, let's face it, is all of us, often all the time.
Charles Duhigg, MBA, author of "The Power of Habit"
""
A courageous, counterintuitive, and convincing case for a big idea: stress can be good for you. This enchanting, evidence-based book has already transformed how I think about stress, and I recommend it highly to anyone who lives in the 21st century.
Adam Grant, Ph.D., Wharton professor and author of "Give and Take"
""
Through stories and science, McGonigal reveals how to change your mindset and tap into your resources for handling stress.
Amy Cuddy, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of "Presence"
""
"The Upside of Stress" turns our common misunderstanding of what we often believe is the necessary toxicity of a pressured life completely upside down. Kelly McGonigal powerfully teaches us how to transform the suffering of misguided stress into a meaningful and thriving life. Read this book even if you think you are too stressed to take the time--It has the potential to change your life forever.
Daniel J Siegel, M.D., author of "Mindsight "and" Brainstorm"
""
"Often we regard stress as a regrettable but necessary evil -- the heavy price we pay for achievement in a fast-forward, competitive, always on world. In this important and engaging book, Kelly McGonigal challenges us to discard that familiar, fear-based mindset and embrace stress as a path to realizing our most creative potential."
Steve Silberman, author of "NeuroTribes"
""
Kelly McGongial debunks decades of myths that have persisted around stress. The book is research based, immensely practical, compelling and insightful from the first page. This book will be a game changer for countless people.
Jim Loehr, EdD, Co-Founder of the Human Performance Institute and author of "The New Toughness Training for Sports"
""
" The Upside of Stress "delivers an important truth: it is better to chase meaning than try to avoid discomfort. Through the insights of this book, you'll find your courage to pursue what matters most and trust yourself to handle any stress that follows.
Nilofer Merchant, CEO, Silicon Valley strategist, and author of "The New How"
""
Kelly McGonigal has pulled back the curtain to reveal what allows exceptional people and organizations like my Navy SEAL brotherhood to thrive through adversity. True excellence is only achieved under great adversity, and by embracing those challenges with a positive mindset.
Scott Brauer, Co-Founder of Acumen Performance Group, and former Navy SEAL and U.S. Naval Officer
"The upside of Kelly McGonigal is that she not only shows how what we thought we knew about stress was backwards, but that getting it right will change your life for the better. This book provides an accessible user s guide to leveraging the most cutting edge research in psychology and neuroscience to enhance your health and well-being."
Matthew D. Lieberman, PhD, Chair of Social Psychology at University of California Los Angeles
For those individuals and teams that discover that stress "is"life's secret ingredient, they will be rewarded with expanded self confidence and rapidly growing organizations.
Robert Daugherty, chairman of Knowledge Investment Partners, LLC
If you ve ever complained of being stressed out, you need to read this perceptive, thought-provoking book. Kelly McGonigal reveals the surprising truth about why we should embrace the many unsung benefits of stress. "The Upside of Stress" will change the way you think and it will change your experience of your life.
Gretchen Rubin, author of "Better Than Before "and "The Happiness Project"
""
The message that stress can actually convey health benefits is important and needs to be heard.This thoughtful analysis on the role of mindset will prompt you to re-think yourrelationship with stress, and help you realize its benefits.
Andrew Weil, MD, author of "Spontaneous Happiness"
""

Praise for Kelly McGonigal and "The Willpower Instinct"
"Tired of the endless debate about whether man possesses free will or is predestined to lounge about gobbling Krispy Kreme donuts while watching TV?If you want action, not theory, "The Willpower Instinct" is the solution for the chronically slothful."
" USA Today"
A fun and readable survey of the field, bringing willpower wisdom out of the labs.
"TIME "magazine"

Advance Praise for The Upside of Stress:
In this smart, practical book, Kelly McGonigal shows that stress isn t nearly as bad as its reputation. In fact, if we change our mindsets just a bit, we can transform stress from a barrier that thwarts to a resource that propels us. The Upside of Stress is a perfect how-to guide for anyone who wants to tap into the biology of courage and the psychology of thriving under pressure.
Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell Is Human
A fascinating tour of cutting-edge research on how stress affects us in ways, both good and bad, that we never suspect. McGonigal brings scientific studies to life, makes her lessons tangible and provides fascinating take-aways for anyone who experiences stress -- which, let's face it, is all of us, often all the time.
Charles Duhigg, MBA, author of The Power of Habit

A courageous, counterintuitive, and convincing case for a big idea: stress can be good for you. This enchanting, evidence-based book has already transformed how I think about stress, and I recommend it highly to anyone who lives in the 21st century.
Adam Grant, Ph.D., Wharton professor and author of Give and Take

Through stories and science, McGonigal reveals how to change your mindset and tap into your resources for handling stress.
Amy Cuddy, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of Presence

The Upside of Stress turns our common misunderstanding of what we often believe is the necessary toxicity of a pressured life completely upside down. Kelly McGonigal powerfully teaches us how to transform the suffering of misguided stress into a meaningful and thriving life. Read this book even if you think you are too stressed to take the time--It has the potential to change your life forever.
Daniel J Siegel, M.D., author of Mindsight and Brainstorm

"Often we regard stress as a regrettable but necessary evil -- the heavy price we pay for achievement in a fast-forward, competitive, always on world. In this important and engaging book, Kelly McGonigal challenges us to discard that familiar, fear-based mindset and embrace stress as a path to realizing our most creative potential."
Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes

Kelly McGongial debunks decades of myths that have persisted around stress. The book is research based, immensely practical, compelling and insightful from the first page. This book will be a game changer for countless people.
Jim Loehr, EdD, Co-Founder of the Human Performance Institute and author of The New Toughness Training for Sports

The Upside of Stress delivers an important truth: it is better to chase meaning than try to avoid discomfort. Through the insights of this book, you'll find your courage to pursue what matters most and trust yourself to handle any stress that follows.
Nilofer Merchant, CEO, Silicon Valley strategist, and author of The New How

Kelly McGonigal has pulled back the curtain to reveal what allows exceptional people and organizations like my Navy SEAL brotherhood to thrive through adversity. True excellence is only achieved under great adversity, and by embracing those challenges with a positive mindset.
Scott Brauer, Co-Founder of Acumen Performance Group, and former Navy SEAL and U.S. Naval Officer
"The upside of Kelly McGonigal is that she not only shows how what we thought we knew about stress was backwards, but that getting it right will change your life for the better. This book provides an accessible user s guide to leveraging the most cutting edge research in psychology and neuroscience to enhance your health and well-being."
Matthew D. Lieberman, PhD, Chair of Social Psychology at University of California Los Angeles
For those individuals and teams that discover that stress islife's secret ingredient, they will be rewarded with expanded self confidence and rapidly growing organizations.
Robert Daugherty, chairman of Knowledge Investment Partners, LLC
If you ve ever complained of being stressed out, you need to read this perceptive, thought-provoking book. Kelly McGonigal reveals the surprising truth about why we should embrace the many unsung benefits of stress. The Upside of Stress will change the way you think and it will change your experience of your life.
Gretchen Rubin, author of Better Than Before and The Happiness Project

The message that stress can actually convey health benefits is important and needs to be heard.This thoughtful analysis on the role of mindset will prompt you to re-think yourrelationship with stress, and help you realize its benefits.
Andrew Weil, MD, author of Spontaneous Happiness

Praise for Kelly McGonigal and The Willpower Instinct
"Tired of the endless debate about whether man possesses free will or is predestined to lounge about gobbling Krispy Kreme donuts while watching TV?If you want action, not theory, The Willpower Instinct is the solution for the chronically slothful."
USA Today
A fun and readable survey of the field, bringing willpower wisdom out of the labs.
TIME magazine"

Book Description

How to harness stress to become happier, healthier and more successful --This text refers to the Paperback edition.