Why Stress Can Be Your Friend

Dr. Jonathan Leary, a well-known New York City wellness expert, has an unconventional message: stress isn't all bad. In fact, he believes it can boost performance and memory. Leary, who has celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Drake visiting his cold plunge sessions, thinks that a moderate amount of stress is essential. He compares it to exercising, making you mentally stronger. Leary argues that stress is like resistance training for the mind. Just like muscles need resistance to grow, the mind needs stress to become resilient. He encourages New Yorkers to embrace the city's chaos as a form of mental exercise.

He also challenges the idea of pain. Leary suggests reframing pain as a signal from the brain. Instead of saying, "I wake up with pain every day, " try saying, "I need to move better today. " This shift in language can reprogram the brain and make you mentally stronger. Extreme cold treatments, like cold plunges, are another way Leary recommends to stress and strengthen the body. He praises New Yorkers for their ability to handle uncertainty, attributing their health to the city's unpredictable nature. Leary's approach is not just about physical strength; it's about changing how we think about stress and pain. By doing so, we can become more resilient and healthier.

Actions