In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S, listeners are guided through the complexities of people pleasing, especially during the chaotic holiday season. Dr. S unpacks the neuroscience and somatic cues behind the inability to say 'no,' exploring how guilt is misread as a safety signal. The episode offers practical tools for building boundaries that are calm, confident, and kind, aiming for a physiological and spiritual alignment. Through a mix of personal insights and patient anecdotes, Dr...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' the focus shifts to the overlooked hormone, melatonin. Commonly known as a sleep aid, melatonin plays a crucial role in aging, cellular repair, and hormone regulation. Dr. S explores its production, the importance of darkness, and the key disruptors like blue light, cortisol, jet lag, and certain medications. The discussion also touches on dietary and lifestyle modifications to optimize melatonin levels, the influence of genetics, and the benefit...
In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S, the focus is on the often-overlooked thyroid gland, its function, and its role in overall health. Dr. S shares insights from a recent patient consultation and emphasizes the importance of understanding thyroid hormones, including T4 and T3, and the conversion process governed by the brain. Key topics include the feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid gland; the role and symptoms of thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism,...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S', the focus shifts from women's hormones to men's hormones, specifically targeting midlife hormonal changes known as andropause or 'male menopause'. Dr. S discusses the gradual decline of testosterone in men, the factual and fictional aspects of andropause, and the widespread popularity and impact of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). The episode delves into the symptoms of low testosterone, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the interc...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. S revisits the topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) following insights from a longevity conference in Austin. Addressing gaps from a previous HRT episode, Dr. S emphasizes the importance of understanding the long-term benefits of HRT beyond its immediate effects on menopausal symptoms. The episode delves into various critical aspects, including cardiovascular health, cognitive function, bone density, metabolic health, mood regulation, u...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' the focus is on the big picture of menopause, building on recent discussions about hormones, perimenopause, and treatment options. Dr. S reviews the implications of the women's health initiative study, discusses various physical and cognitive symptoms of menopause, and emphasizes the importance of HRT, local estrogen, testosterone, and non-hormonal treatments. The episode also explores cultural perspectives on menopause, encouraging women to see ...
In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S, the focus is on understanding and managing perimenopause and midlife health through non-hormonal approaches. Dr. S discusses the importance of lifestyle as the foundation for health, emphasizing sleep, exercise, and nutrition. She introduces various non-hormonal medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, and new treatments like Fezolinitant. Mind-body therapies including CBT, mindfulness, and hypnosis are highlighted alongside complementary trea...
In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S, we delve into the complexities of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. S discusses HRT's benefits, risks, and misconceptions, especially for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. She provides a historical perspective on the global panic caused by the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study and clarifies current safe prescribing practices. The episode covers who can benefit from HRT, how to start safely, and the diverse preparations availab...
In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S., the focus is on demystifying the significant yet often misunderstood phases of perimenopause and menopause. Dr. S. discusses the hormonal changes that take place during midlife, including the impacts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuations. She describes common symptoms such as brain fog, irregular periods, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The discussion highlights the importance of managing stress, maintaining proper nutritio...
In this debut episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar introduces her podcast focused on transforming stress from a burden into a superpower. Aimed at high achievers, leaders, and anyone feeling overwhelmed, the podcast merges science with practical strategies to master stress and unlock potential. Dr. Debar debunks common myths about stress, emphasizing its neutral nature and the importance of proper response over trying to eliminate stress entirely. Listeners are encouraged to...
In this episode of Master Stress, Dr. S explores the pre-perimenopause phase, a decade before perimenopause that often starts in the mid to late 30s. Despite regular menstrual cycles and normal blood tests, women may start experiencing subtle hormonal shifts that affect their mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Dr. S explains the importance of not dismissing these symptoms as mere stress and discusses how to support optimal hormonal health through tracking cycles, supporting progesterone, an...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. S dives deep into the comprehensive changes experienced during puberty, extending beyond mere physical transformations to neurological and hormonal rewiring that influence emotions, behavior, and decision-making. Designed for parents, teachers, and teenagers, this episode emphasizes the critical need to understand the tumultuous changes happening in adolescent brains. Dr. S explains the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) a...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' we delve into the hormonal lifecycle of women. Dr. S maps out the significant hormonal phases, from puberty through to postmenopause. She highlights the profound neuroendocrine shifts that happen at each stage, including puberty, premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. Emphasizing the importance of understanding these phases, Dr. S also covers the impact of these hormonal changes on mood, energy, and physical health, offering insights int...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Debar dives into the foundations of hormone health, explaining the critical role hormones play in our bodies. She outlines the four major hormonal axes: HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal), HPT (hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid), HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal), and HPI (hypothalamic-pituitary-insulin) and their respective functions. Dr. S simplifies complex hormonal interactions and provides a framework to understand how imbalances can a...
In this final episode of the neuroscience-informed leadership series, Dr. S explores the often-overlooked issue of female leadership burnout due to menopause. She sheds light on the neurological and physiological impacts of menopause, emphasizing its relevance to everyone in the workplace. Dr. S insists on the importance of awareness, tracking symptoms, and normalizing discussions around menopause to foster a supportive work environment. She shares real-life anecdotes, discusses the importanc...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. S delves into the often overlooked aspects of HR leadership and overall wellbeing. The episode titled 'What They Didn't Teach You and Why It All Starts With You' explores the gaps in traditional HR education, emphasizing the importance of understanding and regulating one's nervous system as a leadership tool. Dr. S highlights the significance of personal wellbeing, inner work, and self-audit practices in fostering a productive and healthy wor...
In this thought-provoking episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' we dive into the often overlooked causes of systemic burnout within organizations. Dr. S challenges the traditional focus on individual resilience, exploring how toxic corporate cultures and unsustainable workloads are the real culprits. We discuss the importance of truth and validation from leadership, the systemic role in burnout, and what truly effective burnout prevention looks like. Tune in for actionable insights on how to...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar discusses how to optimize corporate wellness budgets for genuine impact. Dr. S highlights the gap between wellness offerings and their actual utilization while providing a blueprint on where to invest for the best return on investment. Key recommendations include ongoing programs with accountability, leader-led initiatives, science-backed tools, and embedding recovery strategies into work culture. Dr. S shares examples and success...
Mastering Leadership Through Breath Work with Dr. S In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar delves into the power of breath work as a strategic tool for executive performance, clarity, and culture change. Emphasizing the critical role of the nervous system in leadership effectiveness, Dr. S shares personal anecdotes and practical applications of breath work in the workplace. She introduces her 'Breath Prescription' – a science-backed, somatically intelligent method des...
In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar delves into the concept of resilience, debunking common myths and highlighting why many wellness strategies fail. She introduces the 40/60 rule, which attributes 40% of burnout to individual traits and 60% to systemic issues within organizations. Dr. Debar shares insights from neuroscience and her extensive experience working with high achievers, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, agency over workload, effective r...