In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain strategies for managing stress, both in the short and long term, to enhance overall well-being.
I explain how the mind and body respond to stress and how acute stress has immune-boosting benefits. I discuss science-supported tools and supplements to better manage stress in real time and protocols for raising one’s stress threshold to build resilience to life’s inevitable challenges. I also describe practices to reduce chronic stress and maintain a balanced, healthy life.
Episode show notes:
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode:
Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials episodes:
*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Emotions & Stress
00:02:37 What is Stress?
00:04:23 Short-Term Stress Response
00:06:49 Breathwork to Reduce Stress; Tool: Physiological Sigh
00:11:52 Physiologic Sigh, Carbon Dioxide & Rapid Stress Reduction
00:13:30 Short-Term Stress, Positive Benefits, Immune System
00:16:35 Tool: Deliberate Hyperventilation, Adrenaline & Infection
00:21:01 Raising Stress Threshold, Tool: Eye Dilation
00:25:00 Mitigating Long-Term Stress; Tool: Social Connection, Delight
00:28:58 Melatonin, Caution
00:30:06 L-theanine, Ashwagandha
00:31:19 Recap & Key Takeaways
Disclaimer & Disclosures:
Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the “Like” button and subscribe to our channel on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in science! — Andrew
Physiological sigh
Breathe slowly – exhale longer – vigorous than our inhales to slow heart rate and decreases stress
Double inhale and long exhale (physiological sigh) x 3 = fastest relief of stress
Wim Hof breathing
Deliberate hyperventilation – liberates adrenaline from adrenals – better position to combat infections
Don’t do these near water/ water bodies
Raising our stress threshold
* bring heart rate up (ice bath, cold shower, sprint) and then deliberately dilate the gaze (relaxing mind while body is active)
Social connection mitigates long-term stress
L-theanine – increases GABA which helps in going from one state to another in sleep
Ashwagandha – can be supplemented if medium stress needs to be managed.
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us.
I’m stunned at how well you broke this down!
Breathing, diet, exercise, social connection, sleep ❤