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Huberman Lab

Essentials: Tools for Managing Stress & Anxiety

Jan 16, 2025
Explore effective strategies for managing stress, both in the short and long term. Discover how acute stress can boost your immune system and practical tools like breathwork and the physiological sigh for quick relief. Learn about the benefits of deliberate hyperventilation and how raising your stress threshold can build resilience. Dive into insights on non-prescription supplements like ashwagandha and L-theanine, along with mindful practices to keep chronic stress at bay and promote overall well-being.
37:23

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Quick takeaways

  • Understanding that short-term stress can enhance immune function and cognitive performance allows us to appreciate its benefits.
  • Utilizing techniques like the physiological sigh and fostering social connections are effective strategies for managing stress and promoting well-being.

Deep dives

Understanding Stress and Its Mechanisms

Stress is often misunderstood as a purely negative experience, but it serves a vital purpose in mobilizing our body's systems to respond to challenges. It involves a complex interplay of psychological and physiological factors, where the body’s stress response activates various mechanisms to help us deal with threatening situations. For instance, when faced with stress, the sympathetic nervous system is triggered, leading to the release of adrenaline, which prepares the body for action. This understanding helps to appreciate that stress is not solely detrimental; it can also enhance cognitive and immune functions in the short term.

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