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Dear AME Community,
Wishing you a happy holiday season, and a new year full of purpose, joy, and connection.
Read on for new AME publications, retreat opportunities, and the latest happenings from our Center!
Warmly,
Drs. Elissa Epel and Aric Prather
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Join the UCSF Climate Resilience Class!
We are offering an exciting new class for all UCSF members (students, staff, faculty). We have developed a special experiential course on resilience to the ecological crisis that has led to improvements in climate self efficacy, eco-anxiety and mental health.
We are accepting enrollees now for Spring 2026 (10 sessions). Join the UCSF Climate Resilience Class today!
Register for the UCSF course here!
Offering the course on all ten UC campuses this year!
| | | This past October, the UCSF Center for Health and Community hosted the 3rd Annual Nancy Adler Lecture to honor the late Dr. Adler and her innumerable contributions to the field of health psychology. Dr. Michael Drake, former UC president, gave an inspiring speech titled "Higher Education and Public Health: Symbiotic Mutualism." Watch the recording here. | |  | |
This fall, the UCSF AME Center hosted a half day-long symposium on the latest research in healthy aging, stress, sleep, and the microbiome with Drs. Aric Prather, Elissa Epel, and Peter Turnbaugh.
It was an inspiring day of international collaboration!
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New Stress Research!
AME researchers examined the use of the Wim Hof Method to improve emotional well-being compared to other established stress reduction techniques.
WHM was equally effective at reducing depressive symptoms and boosting positive emotions over both the short and long term.
Read the publication here.
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2025 Atlantic Festival: Being Human
AME's Dr. Aric Prather spoke at the 2025 Atlantic Festival "Being Human: The Stories and Science Behind Our Health" on his work in sleep science, the importance of sleep for our physical and emotional well-being, and actionable steps to a better night's rest.
Watch the event recording here!
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Listen to the Stress Puzzle today!
Listen to the newest season of The Stress Puzzle podcast, hosted by AME Alumnus Dr. Ryan Brown!
This season, hear from Dr. Jay van Bavel on political polarization, Dr. Danielle King on resilience, and top researchers reflecting on learning from mistakes.
The Stress Puzzle promotes high-quality stress science through engaging conversations with experts who don't shy away from discussing the nuances of the research. You can hear a trailer for The Stress Puzzle and subscribe now on our website, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
| | | Upcoming Retreats and Workshops | | |
Spirit Rock Retreat: Deep Rest for Spiritual, Emotional, and Cellular Rejuvenation
Jan 4, 2026
Reflect on your new year intentions with Elissa, Nichol Chase, and Eve Ekman. Explore the science and art of restoration—with practices in emotional awareness, mediation, and breath work.
Details here.
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Esalen Retreat: Mindfulness, Metabolism, and Mitochondria
Jan 9 - 11, 2026
Join Elissa and international expert and author of Metabolical, Robert Lustig, MD, and explore optimal vitality and metabolic health. Take part in experiential practices and cutting edge science throughout the weekend.
Details here.
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Winter Wellness Drink: Hot Ginger Honey Lemon Tea
For warmth and vitality this winter, enjoy hot ginger lemon honey tea. Brew one cup of lemon tea, add grated fresh ginger to steep, a teaspoon of honey, and an optional teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, for a happy gut!
Delight in Elissa's new favorite hot drink after a trip to India :)
| | | | Happy Holidays from the AME Center! :) | | | | |
