Episodios

  • The Prefrontal Cortex Advantage: How to Build a Brain-Smart Organisation
    Jun 9 2025

    Neuroscience-backed strategies to unlock creativity, logic, and calm.

    In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar addresses HR leaders and executives on how to lead effectively without burning out. The series focuses on leveraging neuroscience to tackle workplace stress and burnout. Dr. Debar discusses the challenges of dealing with unsupportive leadership, the importance of internal control, and provides five science-backed tactics to maintain energy and integrity. The episode also emphasizes the significance of using strategic language and fostering microclimates of safety within teams.

    00:00 Introduction to Master Stress with Dr. S
    01:36 Understanding the Neuroscience of Leadership
    02:18 Challenges Faced by HR Leaders
    03:44 The Leadership Brick Wall
    06:24 Strategies for Leading from Below
    09:38 Five Science-Backed Tactics for HR Leaders
    15:12 The Importance of Stress Recovery
    19:36 Final Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

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    21 m
  • Two Brain States: The Hidden Driver Behind Productivity and Chaos
    Jun 2 2025

    Your team isn’t lazy—they’re just stuck in survival mode.

    In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar continues a series called 'Lead Without Losing Your Mind and Thrive Instead.' This neuroscience-informed series is designed for HR leaders, executives, and managers seeking real solutions to stress without burnout. Dr. Debar explains the two brain states—survival mode and executive mode—and their impact on productivity and well-being. She discusses common workplace stressors like excessive meetings and constant urgency, and offers practical strategies to foster a PFC-friendly culture. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating environments that promote psychological safety, clarity, and recovery to enable high performance and innovation.

    00:00 Introduction to Lead Without Losing Your Mind
    02:21 Understanding Brain States: Survival vs. Executive Mode
    04:42 Impact of Chronic Stress on Organizations
    08:13 Identifying and Shifting Brain States in the Workplace
    09:25 Creating a Prefrontal Cortex Friendly Culture
    12:11 Practical Strategies for Enhancing Workplace Productivity
    16:05 Environmental and Cognitive Ergonomics
    20:00 Leadership Modeling and Organizational Change
    23:01 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    27 m
  • The Burnout Brain: Why Hustle Culture is Costing You Millions
    May 26 2025

    What every HR Director needs to know about cognitive overload and burnout.

    In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S., Dr. Safia Debar introduces 'Lead Without Losing Your Mind and Thrive Instead,' a neuroscience-informed series for HR leaders and executives aimed at providing real solutions without burnout, chaos, or compromise. Dr. Debar emphasizes the importance of sustainable high performance and retaining top talent by aligning organizational goals with employee well-being. She discusses the impact of burnout on individuals and organizations, highlighting the role of system-level factors and personal resilience. Practical steps, including recognizing early warning signs and implementing stress mastery protocols, are suggested as initial measures to address burnout. The episode serves as a call to action for leaders to create environments where both brains and businesses can thrive.

    00:00 Introduction to Lead Without Losing Your Mind
    01:10 The Importance of Neuroscience in Leadership
    01:21 Real Conversations with HR Leaders
    03:11 Aligning Goals with Employee Wellbeing
    04:58 The Cost of Burnout and How to Address It
    10:57 Understanding Burnout: Stories and Statistics
    12:44 The Neuroscience of Burnout
    16:29 Strategies to Combat Burnout
    21:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    25 m
  • Chaos to Clarity
    May 19 2025

    Unlocking the Power of Stress: Turning Chaos into Clarity with Dr. Safia Debar

    In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S' titled 'Chaos to Clarity,' Dr. Safia Debar explores the concept that stress, often seen as detrimental, can actually be harnessed as a powerful tool for achieving peak performance. Driven by experiences with her coaching clients, she addresses common misconceptions about stress, emphasizing its role as a neutral physiological response that can enhance focus and productivity in short bursts. Dr. Debar delves into the science behind stress, highlighting the importance of managing acute stress effectively while warning against the dangers of chronic stress. She shares practical techniques like breath work and coherence breathing to help regulate stress cycles and ultimately foster resilience. Furthermore, she encourages listeners to reflect on their beliefs about stress, integrate neuroscientific insights, and prioritize self-care to maintain a balanced, high-performing lifestyle.

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Safia Debar and the Power of Stress
    03:27 Common Misconceptions About Stress
    05:40 Understanding the Stress Response
    08:25 The Benefits of Acute Stress
    14:40 The Dangers of Chronic Stress
    19:09 Recognizing Stress in Your Life
    21:12 Dr. Safia Debar's Personal Journey
    22:04 The Reality of Burnout
    22:32 Recognizing the Need for Self-Care
    24:25 The Importance of Evidence-Based Approaches
    25:18 Understanding Integrative Medicine
    25:58 The Power of Completing Cycles
    28:53 Practical Techniques for Stress Management
    32:48 The Role of Daily Routines
    37:56 The Significance of Connection and Support
    40:47 Reframing Stress and Self-Discovery
    44:08 Final Reflections and Takeaways

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    45 m
  • No Time? No Problem – How to Build Movement into a Full Life
    May 12 2025

    Micro Movements for a Healthier Lifestyle

    In this episode of Master Stress with Dr. S, we explore how to integrate consistent movement into a busy schedule. Dr. S discusses the importance of redefining our relationship with exercise, emphasizing that even micro movements have significant benefits. Through patient anecdotes and scientific insights, the episode debunks the myth that extensive time and effort are required for effective exercise. Dr. S provides practical tips for incorporating small but meaningful movements into everyday routines, highlighting the mental, emotional, and physical advantages. Listeners are encouraged to reframe their mindset toward movement, making it a natural and sustainable part of daily life.

    00:00 Introduction to Master Stress with Dr. S
    01:36 The Myth of Needing More Time for Exercise
    02:11 A Patient's Story: Shifting the Mindset
    03:44 Understanding Burnout and Perfectionism
    06:37 The Science of Micro Movements
    07:44 Practical Tips for Incorporating Movement
    10:57 Building Sustainable Habits
    13:37 Celebrating Small Wins and Visual Cues
    17:52 Reclaiming Your Power Through Movement
    18:13 Conclusion and Motivational Boost

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    20 m
  • Movement and the nervous system: Not all exercise is created equal
    May 5 2025

    Listening to Your Body: Rethinking Movement and Exercise

    In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' we dive into a new paradigm of movement and exercise, exploring how to align physical activity with the body’s natural rhythms and needs. Dr. S examines the neurobiological aspects of movement, emphasizing the importance of tuning into the nervous system and adapting exercise routines accordingly. The discussion touches on the harmful effects of mismatched high-intensity training, the gender-specific considerations for exercise regimes, and the need for flexibility and variety in workouts. By re-evaluating traditional beliefs about exercise, this episode encourages listeners to view movement as a form of self-care and long-term health investment, rather than merely a weight-loss tool.

    00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Movement
    01:49 Personal Journey: Exercise Expectations
    02:46 Movement and the Nervous System
    05:34 Listening to Your Body's Cues
    07:48 Unlearning Harmful Beliefs
    14:42 Gender Differences in Exercise
    19:24 Adapting Movement Across Life Stages
    25:14 Conclusion: Embracing Movement as Medicine

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    27 m
  • The Breathwork Map—Which Type is Right for You?
    Apr 28 2025

    Mastering Stress with Breathwork: Techniques for Everyday Calm and Deep Healing

    In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar explores the profound impacts of breathwork on stress relief and healing. She explains the science behind how breathwork influences the autonomic nervous system and brainwave activities, helping listeners understand the shift from stress (beta state) to relaxation (alpha) and even deeper states like theta and delta. Dr. S covers three main types of breathwork: functional for daily stress management, energizing for boosting energy and focus, and transformational for emotional healing and trauma release. She provides practical examples and techniques for each type, guiding listeners on how to integrate these practices into their daily lives.

    00:00 Introduction to Master Stress with Dr. S
    01:04 Understanding Breath Work
    03:11 The Science Behind Breath Work
    03:47 Exploring the Autonomic Nervous System
    06:20 Brainwaves and Breath Work
    10:55 Functional Breath Work Techniques
    19:30 Energizing Breath Work Techniques
    24:22 Transformational Breath Work Techniques
    30:32 Conclusion and Invitation to Practice

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    32 m
  • The Science of Breathwork—Rewiring Stress & Healing Trauma
    Apr 21 2025

    The Power of Breath Work: Science, Benefits, and Practices

    In this episode of 'Master Stress with Dr. S,' Dr. Safia Debar delves into the transformative power of breath work, despite battling pharyngitis. She highlights the significant role breathing plays in affecting one's emotional and physical state, showing how it can lead to feelings of anxiety, calmness, and even peak performance. By taking listeners on a journey of their breath, she explains its process, benefits, and potential interruptions due to stress and trauma. Dr. Debar reflects on her personal experiences and outlines the practical steps to reconnect with one's natural breathing patterns. Key topics include the physiological effects of breathing, its role in stress response, altering brainwave patterns, and accessing altered states of consciousness for deep personal insight and healing.

    00:00 Introduction to Master Stress with Dr. S
    01:12 The Power of Breath Awareness
    02:58 Breath Work: A Journey of Healing
    04:14 Benefits of Conscious Breathing
    06:45 The Science Behind Breathing
    10:50 Breathing and the Nervous System
    18:01 Practical Breath Work Techniques
    20:30 Starting Your Breath Work Practice
    23:03 Conclusion and Next Steps

    Connect with Dr Safia Debar

    GP Mayo Clinic London

    https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk

    Harvard affiliated BHI certified in Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) courses

    www.rqwellness.com

    @drsafiadebar

    One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" 2020

    Más Menos
    24 m
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