Why Stress Feels Harder the Older You Get (Your Brain Explained) with Dr Paul Taylor
Life has never been easier. We can order food in seconds, scroll endlessly and avoid discomfort at every turn. So why do so many women feel more stressed than ever?
I’m sitting down with Dr Paul Taylor, neuroscientist, exercise physiologist and author of Death by Comfort and The Hardiness Effect, to talk about exactly that. We cover dopamine, cortisol, menopause, strength, HRT and our kids’ screen time, and how we can retrain our brains to not only handle stress again, but thrive.
The big ideasKey Takeaways
- 01Constant comfort is making stress feel harder, for us and for our kids, so choosing challenge builds the resilience comfort takes away.
- 02How you interpret stress decides whether it weakens or strengthens you, and menopause changes how cortisol and emotions behave.
- 03Simple daily practices, clear family values and strength training are some of the best tools for handling stress and ageing well.
Jump straight inEpisode Chapters
- Dr Paul Taylor’s Background and Why It Shapes How He Teaches Resilience
- Why Modern Life Feels Harder Even Though It’s More Comfortable
- The Impact of Constant Comfort and Screens on Our Kids
- Teenagers and 62 Years on Their Phones
- What Life Looks Like When You Choose Challenge Over Comfort
- How Your View of Stress Weakens or Strengthens You
- Menopause, Emotional Regulation and Cortisol
- Practical Ways to Step Off the Stress Rollercoaster
- The Mindset Dr Paul Chose After His Heart Diagnosis
- Five Simple Ways to Start Building Resilience
- Why Clear Family Values Help You Act Bravely
- Why Strength Training Is Non-Negotiable for Women
- Rapid Fire Questions
Tap a chapter to watch from that moment on YouTube
Meet your guestDr Paul Taylor
Dr Paul Taylor is a neuroscientist and exercise physiologist who helps people build resilience and handle stress in a world designed for comfort.
He is the author of Death by Comfort and The Hardiness Effect.
- Website: paultaylor.biz
- Instagram: @paultaylor.biz
Sarah Rusbatch is an accredited Health and Wellbeing Coach and one of Australia’s leading experts on grey area drinking. Her podcast, Stronger, Bolder, Wiser, is the go-to space for women who are questioning their relationship with alcohol, navigating life alcohol-free, or simply curious about what life could look like on the other side of the bottle.
Thrive After 40 is open now – Join us!
Join the 4-Week Science-Backed Program to easily break free from sugar cravings, reduce stubborn belly fat, boost your energy and optimise your health in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond!
Start Your Thrive Journey →