The Science of Stress

Stress is increasingly recognized as a primary determinant of well-being. To what degree is the stress response more under our control than we think? In this course we will explore the latest science relating brain, body, behavior, and stress, covering topics including the neuroendocrine and brain response, cognitive-behavioral changes, and health & disease states. Additionally, we will learn about popular stress-reduction interventions such as mindfulness meditation, aerobic exercise, and yoga. This course will include a lab-like component where we will practice stress-reduction interventions, monitor physiologic stress by tracking heart rate variability, and introduce methods of analyzing functional and structural brain MRI.