The Dr. Laura Podcast
Episode: Managing Stress
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Release Date: February 4, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode of "The Dr. Laura Podcast," Dr. Laura Schlessinger dives deep into the realities of stress in everyday life, challenging widespread assumptions about its inevitability and offering evidence-based strategies for healthier coping. Rather than relying on "hoping" for change, Dr. Laura advocates for proactive solutions—especially the power of hobbies—to build resilience and reclaim one's joy. Through practical advice, research insights, and her candid commentary, Dr. Laura empowers listeners to rethink their approach to stress and take meaningful, joyful action.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Stress: Voluntary vs. Inescapable
- Agency in Stress:
Dr. Laura asserts that much of the stress people experience is, in fact, voluntary and within their control—even when it feels otherwise. - Excuses vs. Choices:
She challenges listeners on the excuses they make to stay in stressful situations, stressing that many circumstances can be changed:"You can come up with all kinds of excuses why you can't change the situation, but they're excuses. And yes you can, but you choose not to."
— Dr. Laura, [01:17]
2. "Hoping" Skills vs. Actual Coping Skills
- Coping by Hoping—A Flawed Strategy:
Dr. Laura critiques reliance on "hoping skills"—like wishing a situation or a person's behavior will improve—instead of taking real action."'I hope when I marry this person they will turn nice. Right now it's causing me great stress. I hope my mother, I hope my father, I hope my kid. Yeah, useless. Okay.'"
— Dr. Laura, [02:46] - Denial & Suppression:
Attempts at ignoring stress or wishing it away are deemed temporary and ineffective.
3. Hobbies as a Stress Relief Superpower
- Surprising Solution:
Dr. Laura turns to research, championing hobbies as an underrated but powerful coping skill.- Hobbies foster resilience by providing accomplishment and engagement.
- They boost mental health, creativity, and social connection (when shared with others).
- Hobbies counter isolation—unless, she jokes, you're "in the basement being Dr. Frankenstein."
"...one of the best coping skills is hobbies. What? Hobbies. Coping skill for stress."
— Dr. Laura, [03:11]
- Science-Backed Benefits:
She cites a major study:"A 2023 Nature Medicine study found 93,000 older adults across 16 countries found that folks who had hobbies reported better health, greater life satisfaction and fewer symptoms of depression compared to folks without hobbies."
— Dr. Laura, [07:51]
4. Challenging Self-Indulgence Myths
- Reframing Hobbies:
Many view hobbies as self-indulgent or wasteful. Dr. Laura counters this by highlighting their essential role in wellness.
5. Actionable Advice for Listeners
- Replace Hope with Action:
"Hoping is useless. It's postponed disappointment."
— Dr. Laura, [08:22] - Concrete Steps:
- Think hobby when feeling stressed.
- Schedule joy.
- Stay curious and connect with others through shared activities.
- Reframe obligations:
Many obligations that trigger stress are unnecessary and can be renegotiated or released.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Voluntary Traps:
"For the most part, being in a stressful situation is voluntary... Therefore you will continue to be stressed."
— Dr. Laura, [01:16] -
On the Futility of Hoping:
"Hoping is useless. It's postponed disappointment."
— Dr. Laura, [08:22] -
On the Value of Hobbies:
"Turns out...one of the best coping skills is hobbies. What? Hobbies. Coping skill for stress."
— Dr. Laura, [03:11] -
Joking Aside:
"...unless you're in the basement being Dr. Frankenstein, just trying to take a cadaver part and put it to life. Okay."
— Dr. Laura, [03:57]
Research & Recommendations
- 2023 Nature Medicine Study:
Dr. Laura references this study as a key piece of evidence confirming the mental and physical health benefits of maintaining hobbies in older adults.
[07:51]
Episode Flow & Timestamps
- 00:46: Dr. Laura transitions from ads to core theme—stress is often self-chosen.
- 01:16: Listeners are challenged: Are you really "stuck" with stress, or just avoiding change?
- 02:46: Examination of "hoping skills" vs. effective coping.
- 03:11: Introduction of hobbies as the research-backed answer.
- 07:51: Highlighting the Nature Medicine study and practical takeaways.
- 08:22: Final action points on reframing stress management—think hobbies, schedule joy, connect with others.
Final Takeaway
Dr. Laura issues a clear call to action for listeners to ditch the cycle of "hoping" and start actively managing stress by prioritizing restorative, connecting activities—especially hobbies. Her message: You have more power than you think, and you can choose joy, creativity, and well-being.
For More
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- Call in: 1-800-375-2872
- Visit DrLaura.com
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