Intelligence Squared How To Take the Pressure Off and Live Well, with Claudia Hammond (Part Two)
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Jan 23, 2026 
Claudia Hammond, a psychologist and broadcaster, shares insightful strategies from her book, Overwhelmed, to combat daily stress and overwhelm. She explores how technology blurs work-life boundaries and discusses the rise of perfectionism fueled by social media. Claudia emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and practical techniques like focusing on small tasks and taking micro-breaks to manage stress. She also reflects on her personal journey of rethinking stress and the significance of restorative practices in overcoming burnout.
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Blurred Work-Life Boundaries
- Technology and remote work blur home/work boundaries and increase always-on expectations.
- Checking email at night and reacting to messages you cannot act on fuels unnecessary stress.
Perfectionism Has Increased
- Perfectionism has risen in recent decades and shows in self-demand and social expectations.
- Expecting to be excellent at every role increases overwhelm and contradicts human specialization.
Comparison Is Global Now
- Social media and global comparison enlarge the pool we judge ourselves against.
- Survivorship bias and curated success stories make unrealistic 'you can have it all' narratives seem normal.
