This presentation is part of an ongoing Well-being series from Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University

"Cultivating Stress Resilience & Joy in the Polycrisis"

Presented by international expert on stress, well-being, and optimal aging: Elissa Epel, PhD, Sarlo-Ekman Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco

June 8, 2026  |  12:00p - 1:00p  |  Zoom

Dr. Elissa Epel has been studying the impacts of various types of stress on health and co-leading an NIH stress network. In this presentation, she will discuss different types of stress, and how they impact biological aging and healthspan. She will describe the impact of mindfulness based interventions that can impact both mental health and physiological regulation.

After attending this session participants will be able to:

  • Describe how chronic stress impacts several aspects of biological aging

  • List three types of well being interventions that can improve positive emotion

Competencies:

  • Interpersonal and communication skills

Virtual Platform Link

https://odu.zoom.us/j/93175942372?pwd=sfpOBeE5RV5HPDfKaWw9vIag8orZmV.1

 

Elissa Epel, PhD, is a the Sarlo-Ekman Professor of Emotions and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, at University of California, San Francisco. In her health research, Elissa focuses on the malleable determinants of healthy longevity, optimal metabolism, and mental health, both life course predictors and interventions to slow aging. She studies the psychological, social, and behavioral processes related to chronic psychological stress and health, and how to apply this basic science to scalable interventions. Epel also focuses on studying and teaching personal and social resilience skills, both for health and longevity and also for leaders, including human rights activists. She is co-leading the Climate Resilience Initiative, as part of the UC wide Center for Climate, Healthy and Equity, and the California-wide experiential class based on contemplative pedagogy to bolster emotional and social resilience. She was the co-chair of the Mind and Life Steering Council, and President of the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research. She co-leads a National Institute of Health Stress Network, and an Emotional Well Being Network. Epel co-wrote the NYT Bestseller The Telomere Effect, with nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, and The Stress Prescription. Her research papers and retreats can be found at www.elissaepel.com

 

ACCREDITATION

Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

 

CREDIT DESIGNATION

Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.