Most stress isn't the workload. It's the story a person tells about the workload, and a researcher who studies wellbeing explains why the exact same amount of "too much" can either feel exciting or feel like drowning, depending entirely on that framing. She also names a slower, quieter danger: a kind of behavioural drift where people keep saying yes to things nobody actually needs, until busyness itself becomes the whole identity.

The fix isn't rest, and it isn't fewer responsibilities. It's a specific, tested practice, run on roughly two thousand people across several countries, that lowers measurable stress and anxiety within two weeks without asking for one extra minute of anyone's day. There's also a case made for boredom itself, the thing modern life has almost entirely engineered out of daily routines, and why losing it might be costing more than anyone realizes.

There's a ten-second mirror habit in here too, deliberately ridiculous, meant for first thing every morning. It sounds like nothing. People who try it don't agree.

Topics: how to de-stress, nature and stress research, self-inflicted stress, boredom and creativity, connecting with nature

GUEST: Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore | http://nmil.ca

Originally aired on 2026-09-03

Most stress isn't the workload. It's the story a person tells about the workload, and a researcher who studies wellbeing explains why the exact same amount of "too much" can either feel exciting or feel like drowning, depending entirely on that framing. She also names a slower, quieter danger: a kind of behavioural drift where people keep saying yes to things nobody actually needs, until busyness itself becomes the whole identity.
The fix isn't rest, and it isn't fewer responsibilities. It's a specific, tested practice, run on roughly two thousand people across several countries, that lowers measurable stress and anxiety within two weeks without asking for one extra minute of anyone's day. There's also a case made for boredom itself, the thing modern life has almost entirely engineered out of daily routines, and why losing it might be costing more than anyone realizes.
There's a ten-second mirror habit in here too, deliberately ridiculous, meant for first thing every morning. It sounds like nothing. People who try it don't agree.
Topics: how to de-stress, nature and stress research, self-inflicted stress, boredom and creativity, connecting with nature
GUEST: Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore |<a href="http://nmil.ca"> http://nmil.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-03

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.