How to stay calm when we have stress by Daniel Levitin

Dr. Daniel Levitin is a neuroscientist at McGill University in Montreal, dean at Minerva Schools in San Francisco and a musician. His research focuses on pattern processing in the brain.

Let’s explore the key takeaways from his enlightening discussion:

Understanding Stress and Cortisol: Levitin explains that stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can impair rational thinking. While cortisol may have helped our ancestors survive life-threatening situations (like being attacked by a lion), it can hinder our decision-making abilities in modern-day stressors.
The Pre-Mortem Technique: Levitin introduces the concept of the pre-mortem. Instead of waiting for failure to occur, he encourages us to anticipate potential pitfalls in advance. By thinking ahead about what could go wrong, we can prepare ourselves and minimize the impact of failures.
Applying the Pre-Mortem:
- Everyday Situations: Levitin suggests applying the pre-mortem to everyday scenarios. For instance, consider losing your keys or forgetting your passport. By imagining these failures beforehand, you can take preventive measures.
- Medical Decisions: When making important medical choices (such as taking statins or undergoing surgery), ask questions. Understand the number needed to treat (how many people benefit from the intervention) and the potential side effects. Consider the overall quality of life implications.
Recognizing Our Flaws: Levitin acknowledges that everyone experiences failures. Rather than dwelling on them, we should recognize our imperfections and learn from them. Putting systems in place to prevent or mitigate damage from failures is essential.

In summary, Levitin’s talk emphasizes proactive thinking, self-awareness, and preparedness. By embracing the pre-mortem technique, we can navigate stress more effectively and make better decisions.

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