
Decoding Stress: From Villain to Ally with Dr. Luis Castillo
10/24/23 • 39 min
Are you feeling the weight of stress and looking for effective ways to manage it? You've landed in the right place. On this episode of Smart and Well, we dive into the science of stress, unravelling its adaptive nature, and how it's not always the villain it's painted to be. That's right, stress can actually help us navigate challenging situations – but, when it overstays its welcome and becomes chronic, it can affect our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
We're joined by Luis Castillo, a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction trainer with a PhD in neuroendocrinology of the stress response, and the founder of Innerminder training platform, who shares his insights on taming stress. We step into the realm of mindful awareness, spotlighting an exercise focused on the breath and body sensations. This exercise is a gentle reminder of how important it is to observe our internal experiences without the urgency to fix or change them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and manage their stress better.
Useful links:
Innerminder platform (stress reduction courses and resources): https://innerminder.org/
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you feeling the weight of stress and looking for effective ways to manage it? You've landed in the right place. On this episode of Smart and Well, we dive into the science of stress, unravelling its adaptive nature, and how it's not always the villain it's painted to be. That's right, stress can actually help us navigate challenging situations – but, when it overstays its welcome and becomes chronic, it can affect our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
We're joined by Luis Castillo, a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction trainer with a PhD in neuroendocrinology of the stress response, and the founder of Innerminder training platform, who shares his insights on taming stress. We step into the realm of mindful awareness, spotlighting an exercise focused on the breath and body sensations. This exercise is a gentle reminder of how important it is to observe our internal experiences without the urgency to fix or change them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and manage their stress better.
Useful links:
Innerminder platform (stress reduction courses and resources): https://innerminder.org/
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

The Importance of Maintaining Mental Health in Academia: A Dialogue with Sandra Naumann
Imagine pursuing an academic degree was more like running a marathon, not a sprint. The secret? Regular breaks and a well-nurtured work-life balance. In our candid dialogue with Sandra Naumann, a doctoral candidate in psychology and co-founder of Scholar Minds, we delve into mental health in academia, exposing its unique challenges. Sandra unpacks her research findings that reveal unsettlingly high rates of anxiety and depression among PhD candidates, demonstrating how their mental health is intertwined with their academic journey.
As we navigate through these turbulent waters, we're not just pointing out flaws but hunting for solutions. Sandra emphasises the importance of slow and steady progress, reinforcing the necessity of pauses and a healthier equilibrium between work and life. We also discuss the efforts of Scholar Minds in assisting early career researchers via workshops, conferences, and encouraging frequent mental health check-ins. Tune in to comprehend the nuances of academic mental health and to pick up practical strategies for a healthier, more balanced academic journey.
Useful links:
Sandra Naumann's research on mental health in academia: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26601-4
Scholar Minds initiative: https://www.scholar-minds.net/
Growing Up in Science speaker series archive: https://www.scholar-minds.net/growing-up-in-science/
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Navigating the Maze of Mental Health: Depression, Psychotherapy, and Medication with Prof. Isabel Dziobek
This episode guides you through this often misunderstood mood disorder with a clinical neuroscientist and psychotherapist, Prof. Isabel Dziobek. She sheds light on the dark corridors of depression, from its main symptoms of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness, to the encompassing role of social interaction in mental health. She also uncovers effective treatments, focusing particularly on cognitive behavioural therapy, a method that targets negative thoughts and lifestyle factors. This part of our conversation is a must-hear for anyone seeking to understand and manage depression better.
From digital self-help tools to counselling services, we delve into various ways to encourage people to reach out for help, and break free from the vicious cycle of depression. As we wrap up, we share some self-care and relaxation tips, reminding you of the essential balance between work and personal life. Don't miss this episode: It's not just a conversation; it's a lifeline for those struggling with mental health, and a beacon of understanding for everyone else.
Useful links:
Psychotherapist search tool: https://www.therapie.de/psyche/info/
Scholar Minds initiative: https://www.scholar-minds.net/
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Smart & Well - Decoding Stress: From Villain to Ally with Dr. Luis Castillo
Transcript
Hello and welcome to Smart and Well , a podcast supporting mental health and well-being for students and early career researchers . Today we are talking about stress and stress management . We explore what stress actually is and give some practical advice on how to deal with stressors in a healthier way .
PolinaOur guest today is a certified trainer
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