The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst Neuroscientist: How To Rewire Your Brain To Feel Alive, Connected & Happy Again | Dr. Ben Rein
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Oct 13, 2025 Dr. Ben Rein, an award-winning neuroscientist and chief science officer of the Mind Science Foundation, dives deep into the critical impact of loneliness on our health. He explains why chronic isolation can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and the neuroscience behind our brains treating solitary moments as threats. Discover the pitfalls of digital connection, practical steps to foster real relationships, and how empathy can be rewired. Plus, Ben shares insights on the profound links between social bonds and improved overall well-being.
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Isolation Activates A Deadly Stress Response
- Chronic isolation triggers the stress HPA axis and raises cortisol, which over time drives chronic inflammation harmful to organs.
- That inflammation explains increased risks like heart attack, stroke, dementia, and higher mortality for isolated people.
Social Cup Explains Loneliness Variability
- Loneliness is the subjective feeling while isolation is the objective state of being alone.
- People have a personal "social cup" that fills and drains at different rates based on extroversion.
Choose In-Person Over Virtual When You Can
- Prioritize face-to-face interactions whenever possible since virtual contact yields less social reward.
- Choose the in-person option when convenience isn't meaningfully different to retrain social expectations.
