SMP LeaderTalks: #111 | The biology of stress and the chemistry of resilience

SMP LeaderTalks

17. September 2025

Georgiy Michailov meets Prof. Dr. Eva Peters

About chronic stress, immune defense, and predetermined breaking points in the body.

1 h 15 Min

"Stress is our best tool for coping with the world."

Stress is part of life—we all know that. But why do so many people still feel constantly overwhelmed? Why does too much stress lead not only to mental exhaustion, but also to physical illness? And what actually constitutes healthy stress? In a world that is changing faster than ever, many people are asking themselves: How can I remain resilient without burning out?

"Good relationships are the best shield against stress."

Prof. Dr. Eva Peters is one of the leading scientists in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. In conversation with Georgiy Michailov, she explains why, from a biological perspective, stress is not our enemy—but rather a key principle for survival. They also discuss the difference between acute and chronic stress, why social relationships can heal—but also make us ill—and how you can tell when you are experiencing too much stress.

*Video only in German

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