The Science of Stress with Dr. Kristen Holmes and Dr. Greg Grosicki

About this episode

Welcome back to the Science of Human Performance Series. This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes and WHOOP Staff Research Scientist Dr. Greg Grosicki unpack what really happens physiologically when you’re under stress. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki explore the physical, mental, and emotional ways stress can manifest, and how not all stress is actually bad. This episode helps you to understand the way stress can be perceived, and the habits that can help you manage it better. From building in small moments of rest to breath work to intentional wind-down time, this conversation will help you improve sleep and overall recovery by improving how your body responds to stress. (01:51) Stress vs. Strain: What Are The Differences (02:35) WHOOP Stress Monitor: How It Works (04:05) Defining Good Stress and Bad Stress (06:09) Anxiety and Worry: Defining Threats In Daily Life (09:21) Understanding The Stress Scale (10:59) Workouts, Workdays, and Stress Load (12:34) Does High Stress Mean Low Recovery? (14:32) Understanding Stress as an Opportunity (20:05) Winding Down From High Stress Activities (22:53) Alcohol’s Impact o