<p>In this episode, Elissa Epel explores how stress can speed up aging and what you can do about it. She explains telomeres, which are those protective caps on our chromosomes, shorten with stress and poor habits, speeding up aging and disease. She also delves into the science of how thought patterns, diet, and even our response to daily challenges can literally change our biology.</p><p><strong><em>Want to stay intentional in your daily life? Sign up for </em></strong><a href="https://www.oneyoufeed.net/sms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Good Wolf Reminders</em></strong></a><strong><em>—free, thoughtful text messages from Eric that land once or twice a week. Each message offers a quick burst of insight to help you pause, reflect, and feed your good wolf. No spam. Easy to opt out anytime. Join nearly 5,000 others at </em></strong><a href="https://www.oneyoufeed.net/sms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>oneyoufeed.net/sms</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The science of telomeres and their role in cellular aging.</li><li>The impact of stress and lifestyle choices on telomere length and overall health.</li><li>The relationship between genetics and environmental factors in health outcomes.</li><li>The concept of “inflammaging” and its connection to chronic inflammation and aging.</li><li>The influence of diet on telomere maintenance and inflammation.</li><li>The bidirectional relationship between depression and telomere shortening.</li><li>Strategies for reframing stress as a challenge rather than a threat.</li><li>The importance of mindfulness and social support in managing stress.</li><li>The potential risks and benefits of telomerase and its role in telomere health.</li><li>The significance of making intentional lifestyle choices to influence aging and well-being.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Elissa Epel, Ph.D. is an international expert on stress, well-being, and optimal aging and a best-selling author of <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/16850/9781455587988" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Telomere Effect</a>, and now <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/16850/9780143136644" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Stress Prescription</a>. She is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, at The University of California, San Francisco, where she is Vice Chair of Psychology and directs the UCSF <a href="http://amecenter.ucsf.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aging Metabolism Emotions Center</a>. She studies how psychosocial and behavioral factors, such as meditation and positive stress, can slow aging and focuses on climate wellness.</p><p><strong>Connect with Elissa Epel </strong><a href="https://www.elissaepel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Website</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/elissa.epel/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Instagram</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TelomereEffect" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Epel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>X</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbarrykaufman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a></p><p>If you enjoyed this conversation with Elissa Epel, check out these other episodes:</p><p><a href="https://www.oneyoufeed.net/how-to-shift-your-emotions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Shift Your Emotions: Moving from Chaos to Clarity with Ethan Kross</a></p><p><a href="https://www.oneyoufeed.net/small-steps-to-happiness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Small Steps to Happiness: The Science of Mindful Living with Laurie Santos</a></p><p><strong>For full show notes,</strong><a href="https://www.oneyoufeed.net/is-stress-speeding-up-your-aging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> click here</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p><strong>Connect with the show:</strong></p><ul><li>Follow us on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheOneYouFeedPod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TheOneYouFeedPod</a></li><li>Subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ms/podcast/the-one-you-feed/id792555885" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4byxEuJGV8xnxlgoqHQxxs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a></li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/one_you_feed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19