ERP 506: Regulate Your Body, Transform Your Bond: The Habit Science Behind Healthy Love — An Interview with Hadlee Garrison

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life and you barely have any energy left for what matters most—like connecting with loved ones or just enjoying the moment? In our fast-paced world, we often believe productivity comes from pushing ourselves harder, burning the candle at both ends, and tackling more tasks. But what if the key to a happier, healthier life starts before you even get to your goals and conversations—right in the foundation of your daily rhythms and body awareness?

In this episode, you'll discover why tuning into your body's core needs is the missing link for emotional safety, deeper relationships, and true productivity. The conversation unveils science-backed strategies and ancient wisdom to help you manage your energy, regulate your nervous system, and build habits that become second nature. You'll also explore personalized approaches to self-care—so you can stop the cycle of burnout and perfectionism, cultivate more resilience, and create space for meaningful connections every day.

Hadlee Garrison, MPH, is a holistic Health Counselor, behavior change expert, podcaster, and speaker. She's the creator of the Happy Healthy Habits coaching program, where she helps women optimize their energy levels, regulate their nervous systems, and heal their relationship with their bodies and themselves. With degrees in Biopsychology and Health Education from the University of Michigan, as well as training in Ayurveda, Hadlee blends evidence-based science with holistic modalities to help her clients thrive.

Episode Highlights

04:43 Struggling with body image, emotional eating, and disconnection in early life.

08:40 Discovering Ayurveda and mind-body practices for emotional safety.

12:32 The link between nervous system capacity and relationship conflict.

13:52 Building foundational health habits: Circadian rhythms, sleep, and energy management.

19:27 Prioritizing consistent bedtime for optimal health.

20:35 How personal health habits impact relationship dynamics.

26:22 Energy archetypes: Understanding personal stress patterns.

34:49 Taking small steps and automating self-care habits.

41:39 Oil massage and physical self-love practices for nervous system regulation.

44:13 Resources for discovering your energy archetype and connecting with Hadlee.

Your Checklist of Actions to Take

• Prioritize consistent sleep: Go to bed at the same time every night to support healthy circadian rhythms and overall well-being.

• Establish a simple morning routine: Create morning habits that energize you—this doesn't mean a lengthy ritual, but something that helps you feel awake and grounded.

• Identify your energy drains and boosters: Pay attention to which tasks or activities drain your energy and which ones replenish it, adjusting your schedule accordingly.

• Automate foundational habits: Focus on making your basic self-care and wellness routines so automatic that they require little mental energy to maintain.

• Start small with new habits: If you're building a new habit, begin with manageable baby steps to ensure consistency and avoid burnout or overwhelm.

• Incorporate nervous system regulation: After foundational habits are in place, introduce practices like breathwork or somatic exercises, but only as needed—not all day, every day.

• Ask for support from your partner: Communicate with your partner about what helps you regulate—this might be a gentle touch, a walk together, or another soothing gesture during conflict.

• Customize your self-care: Recognize your personal energy archetype and tailor your wellness strategies—whether you need more grounding, invigoration, or soothing—based on your unique tendencies.

Mentioned

Energy Archetype Quiz (link) (quiz)

12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)

Connect with Hadlee Garrison

Websites: happyhealthyhadlee.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@happyhealthyhadlee

Instagram: instagram.com/happyhealthyhadlee

TikTok: tiktok.com/@happyhealthyhadlee

Podcast: Spotify: https://bit.ly/4iGbHZN | Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4iHvBDG