National Geographic magazine, June 2024 Issue

The new science of stress. National Geographic stories take you on a journey that's always enlightening, often surprising and unfailingly fascinating. This month–the new science of stress.

In this issue: Can scientists ‘solve’ stress? They’re trying. — From cardiovascular disease and obesity to a weakened immune system, the side effects of stress can be life-altering. But there may be a way to prevent those outcomes.; How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out. — This questionnaire—first developed by psychologists in 1983—is one of the most widely used stress perception assessment tools in the world.; Does meditation actually work? Here’s what the science says. — Research is finally catching up to the idea that meditation—which has been practiced for millennia—also provides many health benefits, including managing stress and anxiety.; How to cope with stress at work—and avoid burning out — Multitasking is a disaster, says Slow Productivity author Cal Newport. In this interview, he tells us how the modern workplace got so bad—and what you can do about it.; Meditation can be hard. Here’s how sound can help. — Studies show that when it comes to silencing your mind, sound may be the most effective tool.; ‘Urgency culture’ might lead you to burnout. How can you combat it? — If you always respond immediately to texts, it might be time for a shift in mindset. We asked experts for some strategies to combat urgency culture.; Some people don’t experience stress. Are they happier? — Research shows that some types of stressors—and the way we react to them—can actually be beneficial to our overall health and well-being. Here’s how.; ‘Hysterical strength’? Fight or flight? This is how your body reacts to extreme stress — In life-threatening situations, your body instantaneously recruits the largest and fastest muscle fibers needed for explosive force and power.; ASMR or not? The science behind a sensory phenomenon — The euphoric-but-relaxing responses to soothing visuals and quirky, textural sounds has spawned an online wellbeing phenomenon. But what is ASMR—and why do only some people feel it?; Where to experience the healing power of forest bathing — These destinations offer the perfect setting to slow down, unplug, and immerse yourself in nature.; What’s the difference between stress and chronic stress? — Knowing how acute and chronic stress look and feel can help you better overcome them when they strike, mental health experts say.; Why outdoor adventure is important for women as they age — If you think of aging as a time of exploration and exhilaration, you will be happier, healthier, and live longer, writes Caroline Paul, author of the book Tough Broad.; These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way — A scuba diver until age 79, Georgette Apol Douwma photographed reefs around the world and then transformed her images into dazzling kaleidoscopic designs.; When a people's stories are at risk, who steps in to save them? — Kurdistan, Somaliland, and Kosovo have rich histories, but decades of conflict jeopardize their preservation. These unsung heroes persevere to save their cultural heritage.; The Gulf of Maine is warming fast. What does that mean for lobsters—and everything else? — National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry has been diving in the Gulf of Maine for more than 40 years. After learning these waters were a harbinger of climate change, he set out to document the rapid shift and its ripple effects.; Scientists found life in a volcano’s ‘lava tubes’—life on other planets could be next — A Canary Islands volcano pushed rivers of molten lava through the earth. Now scientists and explorers trek through the cooling underground, looking for insights into life on this planet—and perhaps on others.; Fernando Trujillo is called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why? — Fernando Trujillo, the 2024 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, has devoted his life to protecting the Amazon’s river dolphins.; Think customer service is bad now? Read this 4,000-year-old complaint letter — “I shall inflict grief on you!” is just one of the threats irate customers directed at Ea-nāṣir, a shady copper merchant who operated in Mesopotamia some 4,000 years ago.; Why are vitamins named after letters? — It all started with a chemist proposing the existence of a compound he called protein.