Stress management

A body response becomes a subject of research

The work of Hans Selye at McGill played a major role in the development of the concept of biological stress. His experiments focused on the body's response to different stresses, and not just on the worry felt. This approach has contributed to making stress a subject of research linking the environment, the body's reactions and their consequences.

Tools accessible on a daily basis

Stress management has also developed around practical skills: observing your reactions, directing your attention and acting on what matters. The WHO guide Doing What Matters in Times of Stress brings together these principles in illustrated exercises. In particular, it presents grounding and distancing yourself from difficult thoughts, with possible practice in ordinary life.

Breathing returns to clinical trials

Breathing exercises are now the subject of trials comparing specific protocols. A study published in 2023 tested five minutes of different breathing and meditation daily for a month. In particular, she observed improvements in mood with certain breathing practices. This experimental framework helps evaluate techniques beyond their popularity in wellness content.