Stress & Anxiety
Dr Robert Sapolsky (see below) is considered by many to be the current leading expert on the topic of stress. He does an excellent job of illustrating how we (humans) uniquely agitate and stress ourselves in ways that go beyond our bodies design for the stress system. While stress is in no way unique to Americans, we certainly have developed an expertise in creating our own stress and anxiety (see WebMD article titled The United States of Anxiety.)
The stress response: in the beginning it saved our lives, making us run from predators and enabling us to take down prey. Today, human beings are turning on the same life-saving physical reaction to cope with 30-year mortgages, $4 a gallon gasoline, final exams, difficult bosses and even traffic jams — we can’t seem to turn it off. So, we’re constantly marinating in corrosive hormones triggered by the stress response.
Now, scientists are showing just how measurable — and dangerous — prolonged exposure to stress can be. Stanford University neurobiologist, MacArthur “genius” grant recipient, and renowned author Robert Sapolsky reveals new answers to why and how chronic stress is threatening our lives in Killer Stress, a National Geographic Special.
Mindfulness
Many consider Mindfulness to be an "antidote" to stress and anxiety. Click here for the free Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation downloadable course.
Mindfulness expert Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines "What is mindfulness?" and discusses the hard work and rewards of practicing mindfulness.