The Neuroscience of Stress: Evidence-Based Tools to
Prevent Burnout (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Katie Cooper
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This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses.
Despite increased awareness, chronic stress and burnout remain widespread among healthcare professionals, impacting mental health, physical well-being, and quality of care delivery. This webinar explores the neuroscience of how stress affects the brain and body and, more importantly, equips practitioners with evidence-based tools for daily regulation and stress relief.
Participants will explore the science behind stress responses, recognize signs of burnout, and examine how to activate the parasympathetic nervous system using evidence-based techniques shown to help healthcare practitioners recover more effectively and prevent burnout. The session includes opportunities to practice nervous system regulation strategies, apply them to realistic clinical scenarios, and develop a plan for consistent nervous system regulation.
Designed for all healthcare practitioners, this practical, interactive webinar empowers participants to translate knowledge into action, helping restore calm and build long-term resilience.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the effects of chronic stress on the brain, nervous system, and overall well-being of healthcare professionals
- Distinguish between different autonomic and behavioral stress responses (e.g., fight, flight, freeze) relevant to personal burnout risk
- Apply evidence-based parasympathetic activation strategies to support nervous system regulation and reduce physiological symptoms of stress
- Develop a practical routine that incorporates consistent, personalized stress relief strategies into daily clinical workflows
Meet your instructor
Katie Cooper
Katie Cooper is an Occupational Therapist and Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with over 17 years of experience across diverse clinical settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient settings, and in-home care. She has a deep passion for working with individuals with neurological conditions, including…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Neuroscience of Stress
This chapter explores what happens internally when the sympathetic nervous system is activated and how chronic stress shapes the brain and body. Participants will examine the body’s stress response systems, identify common stress patterns, and learn how prolonged activation can lead to chronic conditions and burnout. Participants will have the opportunity to identify their typical stress response patterns and identify burnout symptoms.
2. Resetting the Nervous System to Prevent Burnout
In this chapter, participants will learn how to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to restore balance and calm. The session connects neuroscience with practical, evidence-based interventions to reduce stress. Participants will practice quick, evidence-based strategies they can use to promote immediate and long-term nervous system regulation.
3. Sustaining Resilience: From Awareness to Action
This chapter bridges science and real-world application. Participants will reflect on which strategies work best for them, identify potential barriers to consistent use, and create a plan to integrate nervous system regulation into their daily routines. Guided reflection will help learners plan for real-life challenges and identify the supports needed to sustain nervous system regulation over time.
4. Question and Answer Session
This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by Katie Cooper.
