Stress as a BFF podcast episode 7
“There’s nothing wrong with doing nothing at work.”
Stress expert Elke Van Hoof advocates for more breathing space to allow our brains to recover.
After a busy day, all you want is to plop down on your couch and start scrolling. But that's precisely the worst thing you can do. In this episode, stress expert Elke Van Hoof explains why we've completely forgotten the art of "doing nothing." We used to have natural breaks, like waiting rooms without Wi-Fi, calling from a booth, chatting at the checkout. These days, we fill every moment with stimuli.
When you truly do nothing, your default mode network activates: a system that sorts and connects. This state is where real breakthroughs occur. Chronic overstimulation, however, causes a sense of stagnation or endless worrying. According to Elke, the solution is simpler than you think, but not easy in a world full of distractions.
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Stress as a BFF podcast episode 14 - copy
“Pushing too hard prevents recovery.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why intensive exercise under stress is counterproductive.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 14
“Pushing too hard prevents recovery.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why intensive exercise under stress is counterproductive.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 13
“Your breathing is the remote control for your stress system.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on conscious breathing techniques.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 12
“Working with positive emotions alone isn't enough.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why you should confront negative emotions.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 11
“Give a compliment even when you're feeling bad.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on the power of the undoing effect.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 10
“Emotions want to be seen, not solved.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on what your emotions are really trying to tell you.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 9
“Tolerating uncertainty is a skill.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why the neutral phase is your best chance to de-stress.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 8
“Stress is more contagious than a cold.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why running away from your job won't solve your problems.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 6
“It's not in your head, it is your head.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why you can't just let go of stress
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 5
There are days when I'd be successful if I could just breathe. A look inside the black box of stress management from stress expert Elke Van Hoof.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 4
We behave like frogs that don't jump out of a boiling pot. Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why we don't recognize stress, exhaustion, and burnout until it's too late.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 3
"Stress that causes illness is truly a creeping poison." The 4 most important warning signs and recovery pillars of stress that you MUST recognize.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 2
“Chronic stress doesn't really have a function.” Elke Van Hoof on why stress isn't a sign of weakness, but a frenemy.
Stress as a BFF podcast episode 1
“Getting married is just as stressful as getting divorced.” Why you can't avoid stress and shouldn't want to, according to stress expert Elke Van Hoof.
Stress as a BFF podcast announcement
What if stress wasn't your enemy... but your best friend? In this podcast, "Stress as BFF," the host dives into everything related to stress every week. From surprising insights to practical tools: you'll discover how stress can actually work for you.
