Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

ERP 389: Understanding Our Stress Language As Well As Our Partner’s Stress Language For Better Living & Loving — An Interview With Chantal Donnelly

Sep 12, 2023

The podcast explores stress languages in relationships and how they impact our connections. Chantal Donnelly, a relationship stress expert, shares insights on understanding stress patterns and adaptive strategies. The importance of recognizing and responding to each other's stress language is discussed, along with strategies for effective communication and conflict resolution.

55:35

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Episode guests

Chantal Donnelly

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding stress languages in relationships can improve connection and communication with a partner.

Recognizing and addressing our own and our partner's stress language leads to empathy and support in times of conflict.

Deep dives

Understanding Stress Languages in Relationships

The podcast episode explores the concept of stress languages in relationships and how understanding these languages can improve connection and communication with a partner. The stress languages are described as different patterns of response to stress, including imploding, exploding, fixing, numbing, and denying. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own stress language and that of our partner in order to provide support, empathy, and understanding. The podcast also discusses the impact of stress on relationships and offers practical tips for regulating the nervous system during moments of conflict or tension.

Introduction

6min

Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Physical Issues

3min

Understanding Stress Language and Self-Care

6min

Understanding Stress Languages for Better Relationships

4min

Understanding Adaptive Strategies and Stress Patterns

2min

Understanding and Using Stress Languages in Relationships

15min

Understanding and Responding to Each Other's Stress Language

16min

Connecting and Engaging with the Teachings

4min

Have you ever found yourself in a heated argument with your partner, feeling like you're speaking entirely different languages, even though you're using the same words?

In our increasingly hectic lives, the demands of work, family, and everyday responsibilities make it difficult to manage our stress levels. High stress levels take a toll on our emotional well-being and make it difficult to effectively navigate stress within our relationships. This challenge isn't just about handling personal stress; it's also about understanding how our partners respond to stress and, crucially, how we can bridge the gap in those moments of tension. Stress can easily disrupt communication and create emotional distance, making it vital to decipher and address the language of stress within our relationships.

This episode delves into the fascinating world of stress languages and how they impact our connections with loved ones. By unraveling the mystery of these stress responses, you'll gain valuable insights into your own and your partner's behaviors, ultimately leading to more harmonious relationships and a deeper sense of calm. Let's embark on this journey to decode the intricate language of stress and find the path to greater understanding and connection.

Chantal Donnelly founded Body Insight Inc. in 2006, a private clinic in Pasadena, CA, where she provides physical therapy and stress management services. She holds a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy, a Pilates Certification from BASI, and is a certified Resilience Toolkit Facilitator. Chantal has released two video programs: Pain-Free At Work and Strong Knees. She recently published her new book, Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:00 The myth of self-care as a one-size-fits-all solution to stress.

10:37 Observing stress patterns for enhanced awareness.

15:47 The five stress languages for improved relationships and self-care.

21:09 Creating safety and support for relaxation.

32:44 Navigating stress responses in relationships.

40:43 Recognizing stress responses in everyday interactions.

46:23 Fostering connection through nervous system regulation.

Mentioned

Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)