MINDSETWeeks to result

Stress Enhancing Mindset Framework

Leverage stress for growth

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Individuals experiencing chronic stress or adversity

Not ideal for

Those who are not willing to reframe their mindset about stress

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Stress Enhancing Mindset Framework is based on the idea that stress can be leveraged for growth and improvement, rather than simply being a negative experience to be managed. By adopting a stress-enhancing mindset, individuals can utilize the physiological and psychological responses to stress to achieve their goals and improve their well-being.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Stress is a neutral experience that can be leveraged for growth
  2. The mindset about stress is more important than the stress itself
  3. Individuals can reframe their mindset about stress to achieve positive outcomes

Steps

3 steps
  1. Acknowledge stress
    Recognize and acknowledge when you are experiencing stress, rather than trying to suppress or deny it.
    Pro tipTake a few deep breaths and notice how your body is responding to the stress
    WarningAvoid trying to suppress or deny stress, as this can exacerbate the negative effects
  2. Welcome stress
    View stress as an opportunity for growth and improvement, rather than as a threat to be avoided.
    Pro tipAsk yourself what you can learn from the stressful experience and how you can use it to improve
    WarningAvoid getting caught up in negative self-talk or catastrophic thinking
  3. Utilize the stress response
    Use the physiological and psychological responses to stress to achieve your goals and improve your well-being.
    Pro tipFocus on the things that you can control and take action towards achieving your goals
    WarningAvoid getting bogged down in rumination or worry

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
The study on stress and exercise

Dr. Crum conducted a study in which participants were randomized to receive either a stress-enhancing or stress-debilitating message about exercise. The results showed that those who received the stress-enhancing message experienced improved performance and well-being.

OutcomeImproved performance and well-being
The study on stress and mindset

Dr. Crum conducted a study in which participants were randomized to receive either a stress-enhancing or stress-debilitating message about stress. The results showed that those who received the stress-enhancing message experienced improved well-being and performance.

OutcomeImproved well-being and performance

Common mistakes

3 traps
Viewing stress as a threat
When individuals view stress as a threat, they are more likely to experience negative outcomes, such as anxiety and decreased performance.
Trying to suppress or deny stress
Suppressing or denying stress can exacerbate the negative effects and make it more difficult to manage.
Not reframing mindset about stress
Failing to reframe one's mindset about stress can prevent individuals from leveraging stress for growth and improvement.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework was developed by Dr. Alia Crum, who conducted research on the effects of stress on the body and mind. She found that individuals who viewed stress as a challenge, rather than a threat, were more likely to experience positive outcomes, such as improved performance and well-being.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · PODCAST
Essentials: Science of Mindsets for Health & Performance | Dr. Alia Crum
Andrew Huberman · 2025
Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Mindset →