Stress has become so normal at work that plenty of people wear it like a badge. Justin Hai wants that to change. He is the co-founder and CEO of Rebalance Health and the author of Stress Nation, and he studies what our always-on habits do to our stress, our sleep, and our health.
Justin breaks down cortisol, the hormone he calls the body's alarm system, and explains why it gets stuck in the on position when we never put the phone down. He makes the case that sleep is the first thing to protect, not the last, and that most of the shortcuts people reach for are treating symptoms instead of the cause.
Brandon and Justin also get practical. You will hear simple changes you can make with your phone, your evening routine, and your schedule to feel more like yourself again. They talk through why in-person connection lowers stress, the real difference between stress and anxiety, and why running your work life on four hours of sleep is a decision you would never make behind the wheel.
If stress has become a badge of honor on your team, this one is worth sharing with them.
About our guest
Justin Hai is the co-founder and CEO of Rebalance Health, a company focused on cortisol and hormone health backed by clinical research. He is the author of Stress Nation: Escape the Technology Trap, Eliminate Stress, and Reclaim Rest, published by Wiley. Before Rebalance, he co-founded Alastin Skincare and GLO Pharmaceuticals. He holds a degree in industrial design from RISD and an MBA from Pepperdine. His work centers on how modern technology disrupts cortisol, sleep, and overall health, and what people can do to get back into balance.
TIMESTAMPS
- 00:00 Intro and sponsor
- 01:35 Why stress belongs on a workplace podcast
- 02:20 How your devices are making you sick
- 04:40 Cortisol, your body's alarm system
- 07:20 Why protecting your sleep comes first
- 09:15 What throws your cortisol out of balance
- 11:30 Your phone as a trigger and the trap of social media
- 14:40 The real cost of being always on
- 16:45 Practical habits to reset your phone and routine
- 19:40 Why in-person connection beats a screen
- 23:00 Stress versus anxiety
- 24:45 In-person versus remote work
- 27:10 JOMO and the power of being present
- 30:10 Would you run your life on four hours of sleep
- 32:40 Tracking stress and what your body already knows
- 36:30 Simple tips for better rest
- 38:35 Finding hope, and where to find Justin
A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST
Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
Host: Brandon Laws
In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."
About Xenium HR
Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more
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