The colder months are on the horizon, and the subsequent “Winter Blues” follow closely behind. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Millions of Americans have reported experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (more commonly referred to as seasonal depression). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is strongly correlated to a dysregulation in mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels. In a time when anxiety and depression have already been skyrocketing due to social, political, and economic unrest, it’s more important than ever to take preventative measures to protect our mental health from a seasonal decline. Thankfully, reducing stress, depression, and burnout is possible if given the right tools. In this episode, Dr. Hammer shares the GAIN Method to combat negative thoughts and rewire the brain with daily practice. It may be even easier than you think to strengthen your resilience, thrive all winter long, and meet your mental health goals!
Greg Hammer, MD, is a Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, mindfulness expert, and the author of GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals. A member of the Stanford WellMD initiative, Dr. Hammer is the former Chair of the Physician Wellness Task Force for the California Society of Anesthesiologists. He has been a visiting professor and lecturer on wellness at institutions worldwide and teaches GAIN to medical students, residents, and fellows at Stanford. Dr. Hammer's clinical focus is pediatric cardiac anesthesia and critical care medicine. His research is in developmental pharmacology and immunology, and he has an active laboratory with multiple ongoing studies in these areas. He has published widely on topics related to pharmacology, perioperative care of children undergoing cardiac and thoracic procedures, and organ transplantation. Dr. Hammer is a health enthusiast and meditator, utilizing a nonduality and mindfulness-based approach, including the GAIN method.
