The Dr. Laura Podcast Managing Stress
Feb 4, 2026
A conversation about why avoidance and wishful thinking fail as long term stress strategies. Practical talk on how hobbies build resilience through accomplishment, creativity and social ties. Discussion of recent research linking leisure activities to better health and mood. Suggestions to schedule joy, reframe obligations, and prioritize meaningful connection.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Stress Is Often A Choice
- Stress is largely under personal control because many stressful situations are voluntary choices.
- Dr. Laura argues excuses mask choice, so changing decisions reduces chronic stress.
Hoping Skills Are Ineffective
- Hoping skills are mental tricks that postpone dealing with problems and don't solve stress.
- Dr. Laura calls ignoring or wishing things away ineffective beyond short-term relief.
Use Hobbies To Build Resilience
- Try adopting a hobby to build resilience and a sense of accomplishment.
- Schedule regular hobby time to boost mental health and social connection, Dr. Laura recommends.