The Straw that Breaks the Camel's Back: Why We "Lose It" Part 1: Dr Howie Jacobson on PYP 615

Join me on a morning walk as I provide a stream of consciousness introduction to my latest book project while dodging traffic and pitying looks from people noticing me talking to myself with two mics attached to my jacket. The book is about triggers — what causes us to behave in ways we don't like, out of alignment with our goals and values. Like breaking our food rules or buying sh-stuff we don't need or losing our temper with family members and colleagues. This is the first of four episodes on triggers, and in it I cover the concept of allostatic load. That's the build-up of stress in our nervous systems, which can turn even the most benign or insignificant glance, comment, or traffic delay seem like a life-or-death struggle. I discuss the science of stress — how and why it occurs, and how and why it subsides — and how our big brains and modern lifestyles have colluded to turn us into constantly stressed-out beings on the verge of exploding. And I briefly cover some strategies for reducing allostatic load, so we can be more resilient and composed in the face of the inevitable stressors that come at us all the time. And here are some photos of the construction in La Plana, which explains some of the ambient noise that you'll hear during the episode. Want more of this type of show? Got questions about triggers? Let me know in the comments.