The Charlene Gisele Show

Thriving Under Pressure: The Link Between Stress and Health with Dr. Olivia Lesslar - E52

Dec 11, 2024

Dr. Olivia Lesslar, a health optimization expert and mental health advocate, dives deep into the impacts of chronic stress. She explains how high-pressure lifestyles can lead to physical ailments like eczema and cardiovascular issues. Olivia highlights the differences between acute and chronic stress, emphasizing the connection between stress and inflammation. Actionable strategies for recognizing burnout signs and balancing performance with health are shared. Discover the fascinating mind-body connection and why self-care is crucial for achieving optimal well-being!

01:01:13

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Episode guests

Olivia Lesslar

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Chronic stress significantly affects both physical ailments and mental health, influencing conditions like asthma and immunity issues.

The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive health management, encouraging individuals to apply business standards to personal health practices.

Deep dives

Pursuing Excellence in Health

Settling for mere adequacy in health is critiqued, encouraging individuals not to accept subpar health indicators. The discussion highlights the absurdity of being satisfied with just being 'within range' for health metrics, comparable to how one would never accept mediocre performance in a business. This perspective promotes the idea that health optimization should reflect the same rigorous standards as professional success, emphasizing the pursuit of optimal well-being. By challenging the acceptance of average health outcomes, it advocates for a proactive rather than complacent approach to personal health.

Intro

1min

Journey to Health Optimization

9min

The Stress Health Connection

18min

The Mind-Body Connection: Stress and Health

18min

Rethinking Cholesterol Management: The Role of CoQ10 and Biomarkers in Heart Health

2min

Exploring the Heart-Brain Connection and Its Impact on Health

4min

The Cost of Excellence: Health and Work Balance

9min

How does chronic stress affect your physical and mental well-being, and what can you do to prevent burnout before it takes hold? In this enlightening episode, Charlène Gisèle speaks with Olivia, a health optimisation expert and mental health advocate, to explore the profound effects of chronic stress on the body. Drawing from years of clinical experience, Olivia unpacks how high-pressure lifestyles, particularly among executives and high achievers, can manifest as physical ailments like eczema, UTIs, asthma, and even cardiovascular issues.

Charlène and Olivia delve into the science of stress, exploring the difference between acute and chronic stress and how prolonged exposure impacts inflammation, immunity, and even your gut-brain axis. Olivia shares actionable strategies for recognizing early warning signs of burnout and offers practical advice on balancing high performance with sustainable health practices.

"Why settle for within range when you can aim for optimal health? Excellence in life starts with excellence in self-care." – Olivia

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The physiological and psychological differences between acute and chronic stress.

How chronic stress triggers survival mechanisms, leading to inflammation and immune issues.
The relationship between stress and recurring health conditions like UTIs, eczema, and asthma.
How chronic stress impacts cardiovascular and brain health, contributing to conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Why many high achievers wait for a health crisis to make changes and how to avoid this mindset.
Practical tools for managing stress and improving resilience, from mindfulness to optimizing diet and lifestyle.

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