Stress Series - 02 - The Six Distress Subtypes

Episode SummaryDr. Ali Novitsky, MD—physician, obesity medicine specialist, and strength-focused coach—dives into six dominant stress types and how spotting yours helps you regulate at the source. Drawing on years of coaching high-achieving women (especially physicians), Ali explains why addressing root stress beats symptom management, how to get “out of your head and into your body,” and what practical resets look like in real life. Expect clear examples, quick-start tools, and a compassionate, muscle-first approach to sustainable health.The Six Ditress Types (Quick Guide)Impulsivity — Acts fast to end discomfort; struggles to pause, risking burnout. *Try:* micro-pauses, urge surfing, 60–90s delay before action.Validation — Seeks external approval; second-guesses self. *Try:* self-validation scripts, “good-enough” reps, boundary micro-steps.Catastrophizing — Jumps to worst-case; superb risk-spotter but anxious. *Try:* evidence checks, bounded “worry windows,” solution sprints.Isolation — Pulls inward to avoid vulnerability; reliable yet guarded. *Try:* one safe share/day, grounding in the body, scheduled reconnects.Control — Tightens rules and plans; rigid when life shifts. *Try:* 90% plan experiments, two-option flexibility drills.Assertive — “Fix it now” mode; can read as aggressive. *Try:* wait–observe–act protocols, clarifying questions first.Why This Matters* Early regulation > downstream damage. Catch your pattern before it drives overeating, overworking, people-pleasing, or doom planning.* Not your personality. A stress type is a *trainable* response, not your identity.* Better teams & relationships. Shared language around stress patterns creates harmony and effectiveness.Ali’s Approach* Root-first: regulate stress before chasing outcomes.* Muscle-first: prioritize strength for longevity, energy, and metabolic health (especially 35+).* Personalized: plans that honor genetics, life stage, and mindset—sometimes the work is muscle-building, sometimes body acceptance, sometimes gentle resets.Key Takeaways* Name your dominant type and two “early tells.”* Pair each tell with a tiny, body-based reset.* Progress is seasonal: adapt goals without judgment.* Community and safe coaching make change stick.Timestamps00:00 - What “stress types” are and why start here00:00:49 - Targeting root stress vs. symptom management00:01:20 - Regulate upfront to prevent reactive habits00:01:52 - Stress Type Quiz00:02:14 - Chronic stress and behavior/health00:02:35 - Regulated vs. chronic stress00:02:45 -How these six types emerged from real-world coaching00:03:39 - The TRANSFORM concept: body-first regulation00:04:21 - Patterns among high-achieving women00:06:10 -Catastrophizing vs. Numbness00:06:42 - Dominant vs. secondary patterns00:07:04 - Using your type in daily life00:07:35 - Using types to improve relationships/teams00:08:20 -Types ≠ personality labels00:09:02 - Control (expectations & flexibility)00:13:01 - Impulsivity (build the pause muscle)00:15:09 - Validation (approve from within)00:19:09 - Catastrophizing (turn it into problem-solving)00:21:10 - Isolation (safe vulnerability)00:26:01 - Assertive (act without reactivity)00:30:08 - Recap of all six types + first steps00:31:04 - Common triggers by type & targeted resets00:32:18 - TRANSFORM 10.0 overview00:33:00 - What’s next: research, tools, and supportWork with Dr. Ali💪 ⁠Beginner Strength Training Program⁠ – 12 months for just $199!🔥 ⁠Transform® 10.0⁠ – Enrollment is open! Early Bird Pricing Until October 1 - bonus content available now🧘 ⁠Total Fitness Program⁠ – A 12-month mind-body transformation🧪 ⁠Get 15% off InBody Models (USA/Canada)⁠ – Small referral commission may apply