In this first Next Door Neuro Lab Notes episode, I take a deeper look at an idea that came up in my conversation with Marcy Stoudt:
What if stress isn’t the problem?
Instead, what if the way we think about stress is what actually shapes how it impacts our health, performance, and overall well-being?
Most of us are taught to see stress as something to avoid. . . something harmful that wears us down over time. But research suggests a more nuanced (and empowering) reality.
In this episode, I walk through:
- A large-scale study showing how stress mindset is linked to long-term health outcomes
- Research from Stanford psychologist Alia Crum demonstrating how quickly stress beliefs can shift
- How your body responds differently to stress depending on your mindset
- Why two people can experience the same situation but have very different biological and psychological outcomes
I also explore what’s happening under the surface - from cortisol to DHEA - and how your mental framing of stress can influence resilience, growth, and performance.
Most importantly, I talk about how to apply this.
I’ll walk you through a simple, practical way to start shifting your stress mindset in everyday life, something you can use in moments of pressure, overwhelm, or uncertainty.
A simple practice to try
When you notice stress building, take a moment and remind yourself:
- This stress is giving me the tools I need to succeed
- I’m growing because of this challenge
- I stress because I care
Start small. Practice in low-stakes moments. Build the skill so it’s there when it matters most.
This Lab Notes episode is designed to pair with my conversation with Marcy Stoudt, where we explore how emotional regulation and mindset shape leadership and performance.
Next Door Neuro is where neuroscience meets everyday life,
through conversations, reflections, and practical tools you can actually use.
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Next Door Neuro - Lab Notes: Episode 1
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Episode 2