Watch Stress and Your Body
- 2010
- 1 Season
Stress and Your Body is an informative and fascinating course that explores the complex ways that stress affects various systems in the human body. The course is presented by Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a renowned professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Stanford University, and is part of The Great Courses series, which is dedicated to creating compelling and accessible educational content for lifelong learners.
The course begins by examining the biological roots of stress, exploring how the human body evolved to respond to threatening situations and how our modern lives often trigger this same response even in non-threatening situations. Dr. Sapolsky presents a wealth of scientific research on the physiological changes that occur when we experience stress, including the release of cortisol and other hormones, alterations in heart rate and blood pressure, and the impact on the immune system. He also discusses the long-term impact of chronic stress on the body, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.
Throughout the course, Dr. Sapolsky draws on examples from his own research and personal experiences, as well as anecdotal evidence from other experts in the field. He also presents a range of case studies and real-world scenarios to illustrate the effects of stress on different individuals and how they have coped with or overcome these challenges.
One of the most compelling aspects of Stress and Your Body is Dr. Sapolsky's ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. He uses vivid analogies and metaphors to help learners understand the intricacies of the body's response to stress, and he offers practical advice for managing stress in our daily lives. For example, he explains how engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and getting enough sleep can all help to mitigate the effects of stress on the body.
The course covers a wide range of topics related to stress and health, including the impact of stress on the brain and cognitive functioning, the role of stress in addiction and substance abuse, the links between stress and chronic pain, and the ways in which stress can affect fertility and pregnancy. Dr. Sapolsky also explores the social and cultural factors that contribute to stress and how individuals can work to create more supportive environments in their communities.
Overall, Stress and Your Body is a thought-provoking and informative course that offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the ways in which stress affects our bodies and our lives. Dr. Sapolsky's engaging teaching style and his wealth of knowledge make this an accessible and engaging course that is well worth the time and investment for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of stress and its impact on human health.
Stress and Your Body is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between September 3, 2010 and on The Great Courses