THE SCIENCE OF STAYING STRONG: COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL PREDICTORS OF STRESS RESILIENCE
Keywords:
stress, resilience, burnout, neuroplasticity, cognitive reframing, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, gratitude, controlled breathing, psychological well-being, mindfulness, positive psychology.Abstract
Stress resilience – the capacity to adapt to stress and adversity, is a critical determinant of psychological well-being. This article examines the cognitive and emotional predictors of resilience, distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive stress reactions. Adaptive stress facilitates growth, whereas chronic, maladaptive stress disrupts cognitive and physiological functioning via amygdala-driven responses. Leveraging the principle of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural pathways, this paper explores evidence-based strategies to mitigate stress and enhance resilience. Two practical interventions – controlled breathing and gratitude journaling – are proposed, grounded in cognitive reframing and autonomic regulation. These strategies empower individuals to manage stress effectively, fostering resilience without requiring extensive lifestyle changes.
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