The Science and Mindset of Stress — What Athletes & Parents Need to Know

We’ve all said it before:

“Just manage your stress better.”
“Stay calm under pressure.”
“Don’t stress—it’s bad for you.”

Here’s the problem:

When we talk about stress like it’s the enemy, we’re often making it harder for athletes to handle it.

Research from Dr. Alia Crum at Stanford University shows that the way we think about stress can either hold us back or make us stronger. And that applies to athletes, coaches, and parents alike.

Why This Matters

Your mindset about stress doesn’t just affect you, it spreads to the people you lead, teach, or raise.

• If a coach is constantly saying, “You’ve got to handle the pressure,” athletes start believing that stress is something to survive.

• If a parent says, “Don’t stress about the game,” kids hear, “Stress is a sign something is wrong.”

The truth? The problem isn’t always the stress itself, it’s how we frame it.

Two Ways to See Stress

Dr. Crum’s research shows people usually fall into one of two categories:

1. Stress is harmful – It’s toxic, bad for your health, and should be avoided.

2. Stress is helpful – It’s natural, energizing, and helps you grow stronger.

Most of us are taught the first mindset. But that creates a cycle where every challenge feels like a threat instead of a chance to get better.

The UBS Study

During the 2008 financial crisis, Dr. Crum worked with employees at the financial services company UBS people under extreme pressure with job cuts looming.

She split them into two groups:

• One group watched short videos explaining how stress harms performance.

• The other watched videos showing how stress can improve focus, speed up thinking, and build resilience.

The total training? Just nine minutes of video over one week.

The results:
The “stress is helpful” group reported fewer physical problems (like headaches, muscle tension, and insomnia) and said they performed better at work. Same crisis. Same workload. Different mindset.

What Navy SEALs Can Teach Us

When Dr. Crum studied Navy SEALs, she found they naturally viewed stress as a performance tool. Those with this mindset:

• Finished intense training at higher rates.

• Completed obstacle courses faster.

• Earned better peer ratings.

Their edge wasn’t about avoiding stress—it was about using it.

How This Works for Athletes

Your mindset acts like a playbook for your body.

• If your brain thinks “stress is bad,” your body reacts with panic, worry, or shutdown.

• If your brain thinks “stress helps me,” the same adrenaline sharpens focus, boosts energy, and drives you to push through.

And here’s something important: You only feel stress about things that matter to you. Stress is your body’s way of saying, “This is important—pay attention.”

For Coaches, Parents, and Athletes

• Coaches: Your words create your team’s stress mindset. Are you teaching athletes to fear pressure or to use it?

• Parents: The way you talk about stress teaches your kids how to respond to challenges for the rest of their lives.

• Athletes: Ask yourself—do you see stress as a warning sign or as fuel to perform?

The Big Takeaway

Stress is neutral energy.
It’s the story you tell yourself about it and the story you pass on to others, that decides if it becomes your weakness or your strength.

Great leaders, parents, and athletes use stress as information, as fuel, and as an opportunity to grow.

Next time pressure hits, try saying:
“This challenge is here to help me get better.”
Then watch how your mind—and your performance—changes.

Let’s change the way we view stress moving forward!

Coach Dave

Founder

www.coachdave.me

Feel free to schedule a free call with me anytime to discuss any mental performance needs you have here: https://calendly.com/coachdavecall/free-30-minute-strategy-session