Harvard Stress Doctor: Why You're Stressed + How To Stop It! Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

Most people think stress is something we just have to live with. Dr. Aditi Nerurkar knows that’s not true.

A Harvard physician, stress expert, and bestselling author, Dr. Aditi has dedicated her career to showing how we can reset our brains and bodies for resilience, using both cutting-edge science and timeless wisdom.

She sits with Mercedes and Anastasia for a fascinating and practical conversation on stress, resilience, happiness, and how to bring your best self forward. From breaking down the two types of stress, to explaining how the teenage brain handles pressure, to simple, doctor-approved “resets” you can use anytime, Dr. Aditi shares tools and insights that anyone can start using today.

In this episode:

• Dr. Aditi’s journey from Harvard-trained MD to global stress expert.

• The two types of stress, and how to know which one you’re experiencing.

• Quick “stress reset” practices you can use anywhere.

• How the teenage brain responds to stress.

• Tips for building true resilience (not toxic resilience).

• Ancient brain vs. modern life: why we react the way we do.

• Doctor-approved hacks for digital boundaries & reducing FOMO.

• How parents can help teens navigate stress and pressure.

• Hacks to bring your best self forward, even on busy days.

Whether you’re curious about your own stress patterns, struggling to find balance, or just want science-backed hacks to feel calmer and happier, this episode will leave you with tools you’ll actually use!

⁠Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Save $30! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with top psychologist, professor, and bestselling author, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. In this episode, Dr. Feldman Barrett unboxes all that we need to know about non-verbal cues, shares advice + insights on our emotions, and her most fascinating research discoveries: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06kryg38VZ1cDONvr7zoQp?si=BD-rBT5qQsOfSB07X8k8BQ

(00:00) Welcome, Dr. Aditi!

(02:40) How Dr. Aditi Got Started

(05:42) Stressed Teenage Brain vs Stressed Adult Brain + Physical Signs

(10:28) What Are Stress Resets?

(15:38) What Makes For A 'Good' Stress Reset?

(16:19) How Can I Rewire My Brain?

(18:03) Hacks To Overcoming The Inner Critic

(21:03) Ancient Brain in Modern Life

(25:33) How Can I Tell If I'm Experiencing 'Good' or 'Bad' Stress?

(30:06) Dr. Aditi On Combining Medicine With Mindfulness

(36:07) Top Career Advice To Teens, From Dr. Aditi

(38:02) Key Takeaways