Intelligence Squared How To Take the Pressure Off and Live Well, with Claudia Hammond (Part Two)
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Jan 23, 2026 
Claudia Hammond, a psychologist and broadcaster, shares insightful strategies from her book, Overwhelmed, to combat daily stress and overwhelm. She explores how technology blurs work-life boundaries and discusses the rise of perfectionism fueled by social media. Claudia emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and practical techniques like focusing on small tasks and taking micro-breaks to manage stress. She also reflects on her personal journey of rethinking stress and the significance of restorative practices in overcoming burnout.
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Reframe Stress As Caring
- Reframe stress when it signals that something truly matters to you instead of only seeing it as harmful.
- Use practical worry-reduction techniques and accept that caring can explain temporary stress.
Protect Short Rest Periods
- Prioritise short restorative breaks like gardening or running and stop feeling guilty about them.
- Treat rest as essential evidence-based maintenance for mental health, not indulgence.
Use Small Wins To Break Paralysis
- Tackle to-do lists by doing small annoying tasks in focused bursts to gain momentum.
- Use simple wins to reduce the sense of running in circles and get satisfying progress.
