Tools for Managing Stress & Anxiety

Andrew Huberman March 8, 2021
Video Thumbnail
Andrew Huberman Logo

Andrew Huberman

@hubermanlab

About

The Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology of ophthalmology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. The podcast discusses neuroscience and science-based tools, including how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health, as well as existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works.

Video Description

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: https://hubermanlab.com/sponsors Social & Website Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab Twitter: https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/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 Examine.com 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 https://www.blabacphoto.com

You May Also Like

Instant Stress Relief Essentials

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
17 Inch Laptop Privacy Screen Filter for 16:10 Widescreen Display 14.5"x9.1" - Laptop Screen Privacy Shield and Anti Blue Light Anti Glare Screen Protector

17 Inch Laptop Privacy Screen Filter for 16:10 Widescreen Display 14.5"x9.1" - Laptop Screen Privacy Shield and Anti Blue Light Anti Glare Screen Protector

(683)
23.39
PrimeFREE delivery Sunday, June 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
KuaiLu Womens Flip Flops Ladies Yoga Mat Comfortable Walking Thong Sandals With Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Slip On Indoor Outdoor For Summer

KuaiLu Womens Flip Flops Ladies Yoga Mat Comfortable Walking Thong Sandals With Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Slip On Indoor Outdoor For Summer

(21,328)
$25.99
Loading...
CRZ YOGA Women's Brushed Naked Feeling Biker Shorts with Side Pockets 6'' - High Waist Matte Workout Yoga Gym Spandex

CRZ YOGA Women's Brushed Naked Feeling Biker Shorts with Side Pockets 6'' - High Waist Matte Workout Yoga Gym Spandex

(326)
$14.99
FREE delivery Mon, Aug 18 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
Loading...
CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Maternity Capris Leggings with Pockets 21" - Workout Active Yoga Soft Over The Belly Crop Pants

CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Maternity Capris Leggings with Pockets 21" - Workout Active Yoga Soft Over The Belly Crop Pants

(31)
$20.00
FREE delivery Mon, Aug 18 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Matte Faux Leather Cross Waist Leggings 25" - V Crossover High Waisted Lounge

CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Matte Faux Leather Cross Waist Leggings 25" - V Crossover High Waisted Lounge

(197)
$24.00
FREE delivery Mon, Aug 18 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Shower Steamers Aromatherapy - 8 Pack Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Christmas Gifts for Women Stocking Stuffers, Birthday Gifts for Women Girlfriend Her Self Care Relaxation Home SPA Stress Relief ClimeCo Certified

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy - 8 Pack Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Christmas Gifts for Women Stocking Stuffers, Birthday Gifts for Women Girlfriend Her Self Care Relaxation Home SPA Stress Relief ClimeCo Certified

(1,891)
$7.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sun, Dec 28 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
20K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 8 Pack - Gifts for Women, Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Self Care and Stress Relief Stocking Stuffers, Relaxation Birthday Gifts for Women and Men ClimatePartner certified

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 8 Pack - Gifts for Women, Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Self Care and Stress Relief Stocking Stuffers, Relaxation Birthday Gifts for Women and Men ClimatePartner certified

(1,672)
$8.99
FREE delivery Sun, Dec 28 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
50K+ bought in past month
Loading...
BoomBoom Nasal Stick | Vapor Flow Technology | Cool Refreshing Sensation | Natural Mood Boost | Simple Ingredients | Essential Oils + Menthol Inhaler (Mint, Wintermint, Tropical, Spearmint)

BoomBoom Nasal Stick | Vapor Flow Technology | Cool Refreshing Sensation | Natural Mood Boost | Simple Ingredients | Essential Oils + Menthol Inhaler (Mint, Wintermint, Tropical, Spearmint)

(35,687)
$19.96
FREE delivery Tue, Nov 4 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
Loading...
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

(10,961)
249.00
FREE delivery Wednesday, June 11.
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Golvery Bluetooth 5.3 True Wireless Earbuds w/DSP Noise Cancelling Mic, Open Ear Stereo Sports Headphones w/ 800mAh LCD Display Charging Base, HiFi Deep Bass, Compatible with TV iPhone Android

Golvery Bluetooth 5.3 True Wireless Earbuds w/DSP Noise Cancelling Mic, Open Ear Stereo Sports Headphones w/ 800mAh LCD Display Charging Base, HiFi Deep Bass, Compatible with TV iPhone Android

(81)
15.19
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

(1,741)
$19.99
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 22 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones LED Power Display, 2025 New Wireless Earphones, 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, HiFi Stereo, 48H Playtime Mini Case IP7 Waterproof for Sport Walk

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones LED Power Display, 2025 New Wireless Earphones, 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, HiFi Stereo, 48H Playtime Mini Case IP7 Waterproof for Sport Walk

(1,921)
9.49
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
1K+ bought in past month