The key to coping with stress is found in the process we call stress enhancement. This process means we react to changes and challenges in our lives in ways that maximize positive emotions, motivations, and outcomes. We do so by learning to control only what we can: our thoughts and actions. Stress enhancement uses negative events to motivate us to take positive actions. We will fail if we react to negative events by avoiding, denying, or trying to control events that bring us problems and stress. Satisfactory living means attacking our stressors to produce positive results out of negative events.

Stress enhancement means stress should not be seen as something harmful and threatening that we should avoid. Stress enhancement is the opposite of stress avoidance. Stress can be used to promote psychological health and growth. The energy from stress can be diverted into positive channels, facilitating better performance, relationships, self-esteem, and general lifestyle. Stress is crucial in preparing us to adapt better to many situations.  Stress allows us to increase our focus, prepare more efficiently, and give our best in a variety of situations.