The Human Optimization Project

Hosted ByMayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project
The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

Subscribe

Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 30: E30 How to Manage Your Stress: Name It, Control It, and Use It for Good

17 de septiembre de 2025 casimedicos The Human Optimization Project 00:50:29 0 Comments

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Guest: Peter Rhee, DO, MSc, Orthopedic Hand Surgeon, Assistant Dean for Trainee Well-Being, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education | Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN

 

In a world of increasing pressure and growing demands, our stress levels continue to climb. When it seems like everyone is spinning out of control, having the ability to appropriately manage our stress can be a real superpower. To continue to be high performers, we must develop appropriate ways for viewing, understanding, managing, and overcoming stress.  Our expert guest today is Dr. Peter Rhee.

 

The three big questions we have for Peter are: 

  1. What exactly is stress and how does it show up in our lives?
  2. Why do so many of us feel overwhelmed and what are the consequences?
  3. What are the practical steps we can take to reduce and control our stress levels?

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

 

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

  1. Dr. Rhee defines stress as your «physiologic response to a stressor» and emphasizes that it’s natural and normal. Take a moment to reflect: What physical responses have you noticed when responding to a stressor? Separate these into “normal physiologic responses” and “excessive or exaggerated responses.” What are some key differences between the two?  

  2. The podcast distinguishes between «good stress» (acute, stimulating, focusing) and «bad stress» (chronic, detrimental to well-being). Can you identify a recent experience of «good stress» that helped you perform well? Now think of one example of «bad stress» that felt overwhelming. Discuss these different experiences as a group. 

  3. Dr. Rhee highlights that time scarcity and constant connectivity (news, social media) are major contributors to feeling overwhelmed. Identify one or two steps you want to take to mitigate their influence. 

  4. The discussion emphasizes that chronic stress negatively impacts nearly every aspect of life: physical health, sleep, mood, relationships, and performance. Which of these consequences do you find most concerning? How might this motivate you to prioritize stress management? 

  1. Dr. Rhee introduces a physiological technique for managing acute stress: exhalation-focused breathing. Have you tried a similar technique? Select the type of high-stress scenario you often experience when you want to practice this specific breathing exercise and help regain control? 

  2. The podcast suggests that long-term stress resilience can be built through practices like mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude. We refer to them as «stress threshold training.» Which of these practices do you already incorporate? Select one could you intentionally add to your routine to increase your resilience this week. 

  3. Dr. Rhee shares his personal experience of an 8-year-old son recognizing his stress before he did. Who might provide you with helpful observations about your stress levels? This week, ask them for their observations, thank them for their candor, and take a few moments to consider opportunities to manage your responses to such stressors. 

  4. The challenge presented in this episode encourages listeners to practice an exhalation-focused breathing technique in a stressful situation or before a challenging event. Identify one upcoming situation where you could intentionally apply this technique. Then, practice the technique and share back with your group what you gained from it!  

 

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project – YouTube
Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Deja una respuesta

Tu dirección de correo electrónico no será publicada. Los campos obligatorios están marcados con *

Este sitio usa Akismet para reducir el spam. Aprende cómo se procesan los datos de tus comentarios.