rethinking Stress and Pain: A New Wellness Approach
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A top New York City wellness guru, whose cold plunge therapy sessions attract A-list celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Drake, is turning conventional wisdom on its head. dr. Jonathan Leary, a prominent figure in the wellness world, recently opened a second remedy Place social wellness club in the city and advocates a surprising message: stress isn’t always the enemy.
Leary,known for his innovative approach to health and well-being,believes that moderate stress can actually be beneficial,even enhancing performance and memory. ”Stress is getting a really bad name … and now everyone is pulling away [from stressful situations]. But moderate stress actually enhances your performance and memory,” he explains.
He argues that the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of New York City, with its constant stream of challenges – from navigating crowded subways to dealing with high-stakes careers – can actually sharpen mental acuity. He encourages his clients to embrace this “resistance” as a form of mental exercise, building resilience and strength. “I think we need stress in life…. we need resistance at times when people mentally are not the strongest. The way to make them more mentally resilient is thru stress,” he asserts. “You need resistance to grow your muscles. We also need resistance in every other facet of our life,” he adds.
Leary’s unconventional approach extends beyond stress management. He also challenges the way people perceive and interact with pain. “Pain is just a signal to the brain,” he states. “If you start telling yourself… I wake up with pain every day, you’re also sending that signal to your body.” Rather, he suggests reframing the narrative, recommending clients say, “I just need to move better today or just to restore motion.”
This shift in language, Leary believes, can lead to a profound change in mindset and even neurological pathways. “If you start reprogramming the brain… if you start learning how to talk about it and how to phrase it, it also will help make you more mentally strong by actually changing the neurology, neurological connections and circuits in the brain,” he explains.
Dr. Leary’s approach offers a compelling choice to the prevailing emphasis on stress avoidance, suggesting that a more nuanced understanding of stress and pain could be key to unlocking greater mental and physical resilience.
A recent study suggests a surprising correlation between the frenetic pace of New York City life and the surprisingly robust health of its inhabitants. The city’s unpredictable nature, far from being detrimental, may actually foster a unique form of resilience.
One expert,Dr. Leary, attributes this phenomenon to the city’s inherent unpredictability. “It’s spontaneous… you know, you can’t control your life in New York.New York kind of has its own mind and its own plan for you. And I think that is single-handedly the reason why people actually are healthy right here,” Dr. Leary observed. This constant adaptation,the doctor suggests,builds mental and emotional fortitude.
Dr.Leary further praised New Yorkers’ positive attitudes and their remarkable ability to navigate unexpected challenges. ”New York City sets you up for success,” the doctor stated, highlighting the city’s ability to cultivate a resilient population.
This article is part of the NYNext series, showcasing New York city’s innovative spirit and the individuals driving its progress across various industries.
New York City’s ‘Stress Guru’ Reframes Pain and Embraces the Power of “Good Stress”
New York City, known for its relentless pace and demanding lifestyle, has long been associated with high stress levels. Surprisingly, a new wave of wellness experts are challenging this perception and suggesting that stress, in moderation, can be a driver of mental resilience and personal growth. One leading voice in this movement is Dr.Jonathan Leary, a prominent wellness figure and founder of Remedy place, a popular social wellness club frequented by celebrities.
Dr. Leary’s unique approach to health encourages embracing “good stress” and reframing the way people perceive and experience pain, sparking a conversation about the unconventional benefits of a fast-paced environment like New york City.
Lydia Moynihan,Senior Editor at world-today-news.com, sat down with Dr. Leary to discuss his innovative wellness ideology.
Lydia Moynihan: Dr.Leary, your approach to wellness seems to contradict the common belief that all stress is harmful. Can you explain your viewpoint?
Dr. Jonathan Leary: Absolutely. Stress has gotten a bad reputation,and understandably so. Chronic, unmanaged stress is incredibly detrimental to our physical and mental well-being.However, moderate stress, like the kind we often encounter in a city like New York, can actually be beneficial. It challenges us,pushes us to grow,and strengthens our mental resilience. Think of it as mental exercise—just as physical exercise strengthens our muscles, moderate stress strengthens our minds.
Lydia Moynihan: You’ve mentioned that New York City’s unique environment can actually contribute to this “mental exercise.”
Dr. Jonathan leary: precisely. The constant hustle, the need to adapt and problem-solve on the fly—these are all forms of resistance that build mental fortitude. navigating a crowded subway,managing a demanding career,these are not inherently negative experiences. They are opportunities to flex our mental muscles and build resilience.
Lydia Moynihan: That’s a engaging perspective. you also talk about reframing our relationship with pain. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Jonathan Leary: Pain is simply a signal from our body, a way of communicating that something needs attention. But often, we dwell on that signal, amplify it in our minds, and create a cycle of negativity. I encourage my clients to change that narrative. Instead of saying “I wake up with pain every day,” say “I just need to move better today,” or “I need to restore motion.” This subtle shift in language can have a profound impact on how we experience pain.
lydia Moynihan: So, essentially, it’s about changing our mindset and how we talk to ourselves about pain?
Dr. Jonathan Leary: Exactly. reprogramming our thoughts and language can actually change our neurological pathways. By choosing more empowering language, we can lessen the perceived burden of pain and embark on a path of healing and recovery.
Lydia Moynihan: Dr. Leary, this is truly a shift in paradigm when it comes to approaching stress and pain. Thank you for sharing your unique insights with us.
Dr.Jonathan Leary: It’s my pleasure. I believe that by embracing a more holistic view of stress and pain, we can unlock our true potential for strength and well-being.
