Stress is often believed to cause serious harm to our physical and mental well-being. But do all types of stress badly affect our health? Researchers from Yale University suggest otherwise. They found that people who look on the bright (26) ______ of stress tend to enjoy better health, greater life satisfaction, and higher work performance compared to those who regard stress as a source of negative emotions. During stress, the body releases (27) ______ adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones have been given a bad reputation for making us ‘sick’, still, they can enhance immunity and build mental toughness. The key is balance—while occasional stress can sharpen us, chronic stress can take a (28) ______ on our immune system, making us feel flat and (29) ______ out. Since stress is unavoidable, how we respond to it makes all the difference. Shifting our mindset can help. For instance, if kids feel (30) ______ about an exam, parents could say something like, “This is your chance to show what you can do—see how focused you can be when you really put your mind to it”. Framing stress in a positive way can turn it into a powerful motivator. |