This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil

The Stress Paradox: Why We Need Stress (and How to Make It Work for Us) with Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist | 294

Mar 26, 2025

Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, an award-winning physician and lifestyle medicine expert, challenges our perceptions of stress. She explains the difference between beneficial and chronic stress, emphasizing how the right kind can boost resilience and longevity. With insights from her book, she reveals five stressors that enhance well-being, advocating for a shift in mindset to embrace stress as a skill rather than an enemy. Practical strategies are discussed to harness stress effectively, turning it into a powerful ally for health.

35:46

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Episode guests

Sharon Horesh Bergquist

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the distinction between good stress and chronic stress is vital for building resilience and improving overall health.

Recovery practices following beneficial stressors are essential to maximize their positive effects and prevent burnout in daily life.

Deep dives

Redefining Woman's Work

The concept of woman's work is reframed to emphasize personal authenticity and well-being. Each individual gets to define their version of woman's work based on what feels right and energizing for them, rather than adhering to societal expectations. This perspective encourages a rejection of the traditional narrative that equates success with stress and burnout. Instead, the focus shifts towards embracing a balance that integrates personal fulfillment and health.

Intro

2min

The Paradox of Stress: Growth Through Challenge

12min

Harnessing Beneficial Stressors for Personal Wellbeing

2min

The Power of Phytochemicals: Enhancing Health through Plant Foods

4min

Harnessing Stress for Health

14min

Redefining Stress: Harnessing Its Power for Personal Growth

2min

Stress—it’s everywhere, unavoidable, and, if we’re being honest, usually the enemy. But what if we’ve been thinking about it all wrong? What if stress isn’t just something to manage but something we can leverage?

Today, we’re flipping the script on stress with Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an award-winning physician, researcher, and expert in lifestyle medicine, stress science, and longevity. She’s been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal, hosts The Whole Health Cure podcast, and has over 6 million views on her TED talk about stress and the body. In her new book, The Stress Paradox: How to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier with Stress, she unpacks how the right kind of stress can actually make us stronger, healthier, and more resilient—if we learn how to use it correctly.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The difference between good stress and chronic stress—and why we need the good kind ✅ How stress impacts brain health, aging, and longevity ✅ Five key stressors that shape our physical and mental well-being ✅ Practical strategies to harness stress so it strengthens you instead of exhausting you

Stress isn’t the villain—it’s a skill. When we stop fighting it and start using it, we sharpen our focus, build resilience, and improve our long-term health. Let’s make it work for us instead of against us.

Connect with Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist:

Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stress-Paradox-Longer-Healthier-Happier/dp/006334596X

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegoodstressdoctor

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodstressdoctor/

X: https://x.com/TheGoodStressDr/status/1895568273963384878

FB: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodstressdoctor/

10 Simple (And Affordable) Tests For Your Health & Longevity (FREE) https://drsharonbergquist.com/10-tests-to-extend-your-healthspan

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