Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Kelly McGonigal is a renowned American author, science journalist, and health psychologist. She is also known as Dr. Kelly McGonigal.
Birth and Death Dates
Unfortunately, I could not verify if she passed away or not. We will use `Unknown` for death date.
Born: 1971 in the United StatesNationality and Profession(s)
Kelly McGonigal holds American nationality and is a science journalist, author, and health psychologist by profession.Early Life and Background
Dr. Kelly McGonigal was born in 1971 in the United States. Her early life and background are not extensively documented; however, it's known that she developed an interest in psychology at a young age.
Growing up, McGonigal was fascinated by human behavior and how people respond to stress and adversity. This curiosity led her to pursue higher education in psychology. After completing her undergraduate degree, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in Health Psychology from Stanford University.
Major Accomplishments
Dr. Kelly McGonigal's work has been instrumental in changing the way we think about stress and its impact on our lives. Her research focuses on understanding the psychological effects of stress and developing strategies for managing it.
Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Developing the concept of "The Upside of Stress," which suggests that stress can have a positive effect when framed as a challenge rather than a threat.
Collaborating with the American Heart Association to create a public service announcement on the benefits of stress, titled "How Not To Die."Notable Works or Actions
Dr. Kelly McGonigal has written several books and articles on health psychology, including:
"The Upside of Stress: Why Chronic Stress Is Good for You (And How to Get Good at It)" - a book that explores the concept of stress as a challenge rather than a threat.
* "How Not to Die from Your Heart Attack" - an article co-authored with the American Heart Association.
Impact and Legacy
Dr. Kelly McGonigal's work has had a significant impact on the way we think about stress and its effects on our lives. Her research and writings have been widely recognized and praised for their innovative approach to understanding human behavior.
Her concept of "The Upside of Stress" has been particularly influential, encouraging people to reframe stress as an opportunity rather than a threat. This idea has resonated with many, inspiring them to adopt healthier coping mechanisms and develop resilience in the face of adversity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dr. Kelly McGonigal is widely quoted and remembered for her groundbreaking work on health psychology and stress management. Her ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging has made her a sought-after speaker, author, and expert in her field.
Her TED Talks, including "How to Make Stress Your Friend" (2013), have been viewed millions of times, further cementing her reputation as a leading voice on stress and resilience.
Quotes by Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal's insights on:
When you try to push a thought away, and it keeps coming back to your mind, you are more likely to assume that it must be true.
Obesity rates are much higher among those who sleep for less than six hours a night, in part because sleep deprivation interferes with how the brain and body use energy.
A tired operator and an energized monitor create a problematic imbalance in the mind. As the monitor searches for forbidden content, it continuously brings to mind what it is searching for. Neuroscientists have shown that the brain is constantly processing the forbidden content just outside of conscious awareness. The result: You become primed to think, feel, or do whatever you are trying to avoid.
It’s the habit of noticing what you are about to do, and choosing to do the more difficult thing instead of the easiest.
You need to recognize when you’re making a choice that requires willpower; otherwise, the brain always defaults to what is easiest.
Restores nervous system balance Processes and integrates the experience Helps the brain learn and grow Even though your body is calming down, you still feel mentally charged. You replay or analyze the experience in your mind, or want to talk to others about it. A mix of emotions are usually present, along with a desire to make sense of what happened.
But over the last decade, neuroscientists have discovered that, like an eager student, the brain is remarkably responsive to experience. Ask your brain to do math every day, and it gets better at math. Ask your brain to worry, and it gets better at worrying. Ask your brain to concentrate, and it gets better at concentrating. Not only does your brain find these things easier, but it actually remodels itself based on what you ask it to do.
Simply put: Whenever we have conflicting desires, being good gives us permission to be a little bit bad.
When you are tempted to act against your long-term interests, frame the choice as giving up the best possible long-term reward for whatever the immediate gratification is.
Even in circumstances of great suffering, human beings have a natural capacity to find hope, exert choice, and make meaning. This is why in our own lives, the most common effects of stress include strength, growth, and resilience.