Project 100 with Mark Bouris

Stress & Longevity: The Neuroscience & Tools You Need to Know with Dr. Lila Landowski

33 snips
Sep 14, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lila Landowski, a neuroscientist and lecturer from the University of Tasmania, delves into the science of stress and its surprising effects on longevity. She clarifies the difference between good and bad stress and shares mindset shifts to build resilience. Listeners will discover practical strategies for managing stress, improving sleep, and the critical role of social connections. Dr. Landowski also discusses the hidden downsides of alcohol and drugs while emphasizing the benefits of continual learning for cognitive health.
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INSIGHT

Stress Is Biologically Adaptive But Costly

  • Stress is an evolved survival response that reallocates resources to immediate needs and performance.
  • Chronic stress repeatedly diverts resources and accelerates aging across body systems.
INSIGHT

Cortisol Reaches The Cell Nucleus

  • Cortisol penetrates cells and alters gene-level function, increasing risk of neurodegeneration.
  • Repeated cortisol exposure changes brain connectivity and can kill neurons in vulnerable regions.
ADVICE

Reframe Stress To Improve Performance

  • Reframe stress: perceive challenging arousal as performance-enhancing rather than harmful.
  • Use knowledge to lower excessive cortisol and improve outcomes in stressful tasks.
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