The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Reset Your Relationship with Stress (for National Stress Awareness Day)
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Nov 5, 2025 
Dr. Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and author of Stress Resets, shares her expertise on managing stress more effectively. She discusses how reappraising stress can transform it from an enemy to a valuable ally. Taitz emphasizes the negative impact of rumination and perfectionism and introduces practical techniques like expressive writing and behavioral activation. Listeners learn about coping strategies such as sensory approaches and humor to ease stress. She encourages proactive actions to build resilience and find purpose amidst challenges.
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Reappraise Stress As Helpful
- Believing stress is harmful increases its health risks and mortality.
- Reframing stress as helpful lowers cortisol and improves persistence toward goals.
Swap Why For How And Set Goals
- Replace endless why questions with specific how plans to move forward.
- Set concrete time-bound goals to limit rumination and preserve present focus.
Use Structured Expressive Writing
- Use structured expressive writing to process upsetting events across days.
- Writing with beginning, middle, and end reduces rumination and depressive symptoms long-term.
