Dr Laurie is stressed, and it's harming her health. Constant worry and stress is bad for our bodies and our minds, but how can we break the cycle and relax? It turns out scientists have learned a lot from one of America's most stressed-out communities - caregivers. Hollywood star Steve Guttenberg talks about the toughest chapter of his life - caring for his dying dad - and Dr Elissa Epel explains why some caregivers suffer badly from stress, while others seem to find ways to live with the awful situation they find themselves in daily. And we find out how stress can be tamed and turned to our advantage with David Yeager. Further reading: David Yeager - 10 to 25. The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation And Making Your Own Life Easier Steve Guttenberg - Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero. Dr Elissa Epel - The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pushkin.
I was having my annual medical checkup.
The nurse measured my weight and blood pressure.
She listened to my heart and then did some blood work.
Most of my test results came back fine, except one.
My CRP levels were kind of high.
But I didn't actually know what CRP levels were, so I turned to Google.
Turns out high CRP levels are a sign of bodily inflammation, which can increase the risk of chronic health conditions like kidney disease, cancer, dementia, and premature death.
I'm no medical doctor, but that did not sound good.
I returned to the clinic to go over the results.
So this inflammation thing, I asked what's causing it?
Inflammation, my doctor replied, can be lots of things, but it's usually a sign that your immune system is on the defense.
But we often see levels like these when patients are experiencing a period of intense stress.
Have you been going through any stress lately?
I fidgeted.
Well, I said, then launched into all the stuff on my plate.
I talked about how I'd cared for over 500 students during a pandemic while also running a lab while also making a podcast.
I admitted I hadn't been exercising or eating well, and that I was feeling totally overwhelmed.
My doctor, a fan of the show, gave a smirk.
So the famous happiness expert has been all stressed out, huh?