Open Forum on Stress and Resilience

October 5, 2020

10:30 am- 12:00 pm

Stress is a normal part of life. In fact, some levels of stress have been shown to have a positive impact on performance. Stress becomes problematic when allostatic load builds up and causes us to respond from our sympathetic nervous system’s fight/flight mechanisms. This open forum session will allow participants to talk about ways that unhealthy stress is building up in their lives. The presenter, Shahnaz Khawaja, Student Wellness Assistant Director of Resiliency and Recovery Strategies will discuss the polyvagal theory as it relates to managing stress and identify healthy coping mechanisms that foster resilience. Participants will learn about:

• Allostatic load
• The polyvagal theory and stress management
• Practical ways to manage stress and enhance resilience
• Recognizing stress in others
• Defense mechanisms and how unhealthy defense mechanisms can generate additional stress

*This is a Wellness Event specifically for Graduate Students that fall under PhD programs within the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program and the School of Medicine- Office of Graduate Education.