A New Relationship with Stress
Is there such a thing as good stress? Our guest learns to welcome her stress by understanding how it can actually help her, plus tips and tricks to not feel too much of it.
\n\nLink to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5n6s346x
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Episode summary:
\n\nLike many of us, our guest Yana Leventon has dealt with a fair amount of stress in her life. But after living through the COVID-19 pandemic and grappling with the ongoing war in Ukraine (with relatives on both sides of the border) Yana\u2019s stress levels reached a new high. This week\u2019s episode is all about how we can reframe our relationship with stress. Yana spent one week trying a new practice each day. All 7 of the practices were aimed at managing different aspects of stress, from physically metabolizing her stress through exercise to visualization and breathing techniques. These exercises helped her regain a sense of clarity about what is truly not in her control, and agency over what is. She began to see stress as a normal and necessary part of life that can actually be beneficial in the right amount. Later, we hear from the psychologist who developed this stress management tool, Elissa Epel. She discusses the importance of developing a positive relationship with stress, and how we can use stress to feel a sense of empowerment.
\n\nPractice:
\n\nDay 1. Embrace Uncertainty: Releasing Embodied Stress
\n\nDay 2. Let Go of What You Can\u2019t Control: Stress Inventory
\n\nDay 3. Find Excitement in Challenges: Stress Shield
\n\nDay 4. Metabolize Body Stress: Hormetic Stress
\n\nDay 5. Immerse Yourself in Nature: Sensory Absorption
\n\nDay 6. Experience Deep Rest: Breath for Restoration
\n\nDay 7. Create Bliss Bookends: Start and End Full of Joy
\n\nFor more information on each of the daily practices, check out Elissa Epel\u2019s book, The Stress Prescription.
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Today\u2019s guests:
\n\nYana Leventon was a refugee in Austria and Italy before migrating to the United States from the former USSR when she was 10 years old.
\n\nElissa Epel is a psychologist who specializes in stress, aging and well-being. She has developed self-care practices rooted in scientific research to improve how we cope with stress.
\n\nLearn more about Elisa and her work: https://www.elissaepel.com/
\n\nRead Elissa\u2019s book, The Stress Prescription: https://tinyurl.com/yt66t3b3
\n\nFollow Elissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_Epel
\n\nFollow Elissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TelomereEffect
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Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
\n\nHow to Transform Stress into Courage and Connection: https://tinyurl.com/n49fzhf7
\n\nSeven Ways to Have a Healthier Relationship With Stress: https://tinyurl.com/mr3yy6b5
\n\nIs Stress Making You Withdraw from People? https://tinyurl.com/4kkesr7s
\n\nCould Stress Help You Find Your Purpose in Life? https://tinyurl.com/2ssz7mck
\n\nThe Surprising Benefits of Stress: https://tinyurl.com/3uynfkf2
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More Resources on Managing Stress:
\n\nNational Institute for Mental Health - I\u2019m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet: https://tinyurl.com/4hr3eawc
\n\nTED - How to make stress your friend: https://tinyurl.com/y5bsj3ks
\n\nHarvard Business Review - Turning Stress into an Asset: https://tinyurl.com/3fdzfx3v
\n\nJohns Hopkins - Sleepless Nights? Try Stress Relief Techniques: https://tinyurl.com/mw6jxbvz
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Do you struggle with managing your stress levels? What\u2019s your go-to stress management tool? Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
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