Stress & Longevity: The Neuroscience & Tools You Need to Know with Dr. Lila Landowski

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Sep 14, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lila Landowski, a neuroscientist and lecturer from the University of Tasmania, delves into the science of stress and its surprising effects on longevity. She clarifies the difference between good and bad stress and shares mindset shifts to build resilience. Listeners will discover practical strategies for managing stress, improving sleep, and the critical role of social connections. Dr. Landowski also discusses the hidden downsides of alcohol and drugs while emphasizing the benefits of continual learning for cognitive health.

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ADVICE

Sleep Clears Waste And Calms Emotion

Protect sleep to reset emotional control and enable brain waste clearance.
Prioritize sleep because insufficient sleep makes the amygdala ~60% more reactive and blocks nightly clearance.

ADVICE

Break Stress Cycles And Use Short-Term Aids

Break chronic stress loops with repeated behavioural change and short-term support.
Consider time-limited supplements like ashwagandha for acute periods, and cycle them on/off.

INSIGHT

Chronic Stress Remaps The Brain

Chronic stress reshapes brain architecture: hippocampus shrinks, amygdala enlarges, prefrontal cortex thins.
These structural changes explain memory loss, emotional reactivity, and poor decision-making under chronic stress.

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All content and media by Project 100 is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

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Dr. Lila Landowski is a neuroscientist, lecturer at the University of Tasmania, and Vice President of Science & Technology Australia.

In this episode, we unpack the science of stress and its impact on longevity. You’ll learn how chronic stress influences neurodegenerative disease, why not all stress is bad, and the mindset shifts that help build resilience.

Dr. Landowski also shares practical tools to manage stress and improve sleep, the powerful role of social connection and prosocial behaviours, and the hidden downsides of alcohol and drugs in stress management. We also explore how continual learning and cognitive reserve can protect your brain as you age. If you want to understand how stress really affects your body and mind—and discover the science-backed tools to take control—this episode is a must-listen.

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