Tools for Managing Stress & Anxiety

This episode explains what stress is, and how it recruits our brain and body to react in specific ways. I describe the three main types of stress, and how two of them actually enhance the function of our immune system making us less vulnerable to infections. I review tools that allow us to control our stress in real-time, as well as tools to prevent long-term stress, burnout and stress-induced illness and anxiety. As always, we cover behavioral tools and supplements that can assist or hinder stress control. #HubermanLab #Stress #Neuroscience For an updated list of our current sponsors, please visit our website as previous sponsors mentioned in this podcast episode may no longer be affiliated with us: Social & Website Instagram: Threads: @hubermanlab Twitter: Facebook: TikTok: @hubermanlab LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Timestamps below. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:04:41 Emotions: A Logical Framework of Brain-Body Loops 00:10:29 Stress: The (Falsely Narrow) Animal Attack Narrative 00:14:31 The Stress RESPONSE: Generic, Channels blood, Biases Action 00:21:08 Tools to Actually Control Stress: Reduce Alertness or Increase Calm 00:24:15 The Fastest Way to Reduce Stress In Real Time: “Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia” 00:29:45 The Fastlane to Calm 00:34:53 Important Notes About Heart Rate Deceleration: Vaso-vagal Lag 00:36:50 Cyclic Sighing For Calm and Sleep Induction 00:37:57 Nasal Breathing For Cosmetic, Immune and Performance Enhancement 00:38:46 Two Breathing Centers In The Brain 00:39:45 Breathing For Speaking Clearly 00:40:39 The 3 Types of Stress: Short, Medium and Long-Term 00:42:10 Positive Effects of Short-Term Stress: Immunity and Focus 00:45:32 Adrenalin (Epinephrine) Deploys Killer Immune Cells 00:46:40 Cyclic Deep Breathing IS Stress: Wim Hof, Tummo & Super-Oxygenation 00:50:58 Inflammation Is Useful and Good, In the Short Term 00:52:02 Procrastination and Self-Manufactured Nootropics 00:53:00 Relaxation Can Causes Illness 00:54:30 Immune Activation Protocol 00:55:20 Medium Term Stress: A Clear Definition 00:56:07 Stress Threshold 00:57:10 Stress Inoculation Tools: Separating Mind & Body, On Purpose 00:59:50 Use Vision to Calm the Mind When the Body Is Agitated 01:02:36 Beyond NSDR 01:04:36 Long Term Stress: Definition, Measurement, Cardiovascular Risks 01:06:30 Tools for Dealing With Long Term Stress 01:08:20 The Oxytocin Myth 01:09:15 Serotonin: Satiety, Safety 01:12:00 Delight and Flexibility 01:13:30 Chemical Irritants We Make But Can Control: Tackykinin 01:15:40 Impactful Gratitude 01:16:25 Non-Prescription Chemical Compounds For Additional Anti-Stress Support 01:18:04 Melatonin: Cautionary Note About Adrenal Suppression 01:19:15 Adrenal Burnout Is A Myth… But Why You Need to Know About It Anyway 01:21:10 L-Theanine For Stress Reduction and Task Completion Anxiety 01:23:00 Beware Taurine and Energy Drinks With Taurine 01:23:30 Ashwagandha: Can Powerfully Lower Anxiety And Cortisol 01:25:50 Is An Amazing Free Resource 01:26:20 How This All Relates to Emotions: State Versus Demand = Valence 01:32:00 Modulating Reactivity, Mindfulness, & Functionality With Objective Tools 01:34:00 Next Steps 01:35:40 Topic Suggestions, Subscriptions and Reviews Please 01:37:40 Additional Resources, Synthesis Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman’s teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac