
Building Resilience
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with anxiety, stress, a dysregulated nervous system, or constant overthinking.But here's the good news: you're not alone, and relief is possible.I'm Leah Davidson, a nervous system resilience coach and speech-language pathologist, and I'm here to help you navigate life's ups and downs by teaching you practical tools for nervous system regulation. On this podcast, you'll learn how to manage anxiety, reduce stress, stop overthinking, and support a healthier, more regulated nervous system.Together, we'll share inspiring stories, practical tips, and compassionate support to build resilience and create a life filled with purpose, joy, and connection.Ready to befriend your nervous system and reclaim your peace? Let's get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Dec 4, 2024 • 19min
Focus on Wellness, Not Disease
So often, we get caught up in managing symptoms, treating disease, and reacting to challenges---but what if the key to lasting wellness lies in flipping that script? What if, instead of focusing on reducing danger, we focused on increasing safety and resilience to heal ourselves.On this episode of Building Resilience, I explore the profound impact of adopting a wellness-centered mindset. We'll dive into how our language shapes health experiences, why the nervous system plays a pivotal role in resilience, and practical strategies to prioritize health and wellness over illness and disease. Drawing from concepts like salutogenesis, I share insights into how small changes in focus---like reframing our language and investing in daily nervous system resets---can lead to transformative growth. Don't miss the upcoming "Doodle Your Nervous System" workshop on January 2nd and 3rd at 1 p.m. Eastern. Join me for a fun and interactive session where you'll explore creativity as a tool to reset your nervous system. Bring your favorite art supplies, and let's get doodling! (Replays will be available for a limited time)Links:Ep.127 - Affect LabelingResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 27, 2024 • 18min
Insights About Happiness
Happiness often feels like an elusive goal, something we're constantly striving for but never quite reaching. Is it about material wealth, ticking off life's achievements, or something deeper? And how do we cultivate it in a world that often feels overwhelming?On this episode of Building Resilience, I delve into the science of happiness, drawing from the groundbreaking research of Ed Diener and Robert Waldinger. Together, we explore the myths and truths about happiness, examining how perspective, connections, and aligning with personal values contribute to a fulfilling life. I share actionable insights about the power of micro-habits, gratitude, and finding purpose in everyday moments. Whether you're looking to deepen your relationships, prioritize what truly matters, or just embrace more joy in your life, this episode has something for you.Links:Ep. 110: The Zone of ResilienceResources: The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable. The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives. My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 2024 • 38min
Your Nervous System Matters Series with special guests Lexie Hill and Erin Wallen
Your nervous system shapes your daily life behind the scenes. It’s easy to overlook, but your nervous system is the hidden powerhouse behind your responses, emotions, and capacity to handle life’s challenges. When you understand and take care of it, it can unlock a whole new level of resilience and clarity.On this episode of Building Resilience, I sit down with two incredible guests, Lexie Hill and Erin Wallen, who share their transformative journeys in nervous system regulation. They discuss practical tools and techniques for nervous system resilience, including "game day tools" for in-the-moment regulation. From understanding the power of the vagus nerve to realizing how a regulated nervous system can enhance relationships, Lexie and Erin reveal why this knowledge is essential for thriving, not just surviving.Guest Links:Connect with Lexie Hill on her website and Instagram.Connect with Erin Wallen on Instagram or other socials.Resources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 2024 • 21min
The Power of Micro Habits
Ever feel overwhelmed by the big goals you set for yourself? Sometimes, the smallest actions can be the most powerful, helping us make meaningful progress without getting lost in the stress of it all. But how can we break down our aspirations into manageable, daily steps?On this episode of Building Resilience, we're exploring the transformative impact of micro habits. I'll share how incorporating tiny, intentional actions throughout the day can build up to substantial change. By the end, you'll have a bunch of practical strategies to introduce more micro habits in your life, making real progress one small step at a time.Links:Ep. 127: Affect LabelingEp. 110: The Zone of ResilienceResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 2024 • 14min
I Don’t Know How, But I Know It’s Possible
Life doesn't give us the answers we want, at least not right away. Facing challenges without knowing how things will work out can feel overwhelming. But what if, instead of focusing on the how, we focused on the simple belief that it's possible?On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll break down the mantra, "I don't know how, but I know it's possible." I share personal stories, including my son's journey and the profound lesson he taught me, and a reminder that sometimes we need to remember that the absence of something in your life can be a sign that its opposite exists.Links:Ep. 185: Embracing UncertaintyResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 2024 • 19min
The Emotional Bank Account
Ever felt like relationships can sometimes leave you emotionally drained or uplifted without understanding why? There's a subtle but powerful concept that might just hold the key to balancing these interactions---much like a real bank account, your emotional bank account determines the quality of your connections.On this episode of Building Resilience, I dive into the idea of the emotional bank account. This metaphor unpacks how everyday words, actions, and behaviors can either deposit or withdraw. Plus, I explore how the emotional bank account ties into your nervous system, helping you regulate stress and build resilience.Links:Ep. 125 - Understanding the Role of Neuroception (AKA Your Internal Surveillance System)Resources: The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable. The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives. My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 2024 • 18min
Move More, Sit Less: Why Sitting Is Bad For You
Whether working from home, commuting, or relaxing at the end of the day, sitting has become a constant companion. But what if I told you that sitting too much might be impacting your health—and in more ways than you realize?On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and why it's been called "the new smoking." We'll also discuss how sitting for extended periods can lead to some striking issues like metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, weakened muscles, mental health challenges, and more.Whether it's taking a walking break, pacing during phone calls, or standing while working, small and sustainable changes can add up to make a big difference. Links:Ep. 163 - The Power of WalkingResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondaryConnect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 2024 • 25min
Expectations
Expectations shape how we experience the world---but they can also be a trap, leading to stress and suffering when reality doesn't match our hopes. So, how do we manage them in a way that helps rather than hinders us?On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll talk about the double-edged nature of expectations. You'll hear why expectations are essential for setting goals and boundaries, and how they can even build excitement for future events, helping us get even more enjoyment out of them.Links:Ep. 153: Different Kinds of ListeningResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2024 • 27min
Parenting Transitions
Parenting is a journey filled with transitions. From being a superhero in your child's life to becoming the "villain" in their teenage years, to navigating the quieter years of being an empty nester, the changes can feel overwhelming. It's a constant evolution that brings both grief and joy. How do we manage the shift from being the central figure in our children's lives to stepping back and allowing them to grow independently?On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll explore the many stages of parenting and how they impact our nervous system. I discuss the transition from being a caregiver to a consultant as our children grow, and the emotional challenges that come with each phase. You'll learn how to manage these transitions with grace and self-compassion, understand the impact on your nervous system, and discover practical tools to help us visualize and make sense of our ever-evolving roles as parents.Links:Ep. 175: Identity DiversificationResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training---join the waitlist! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2024 • 19min
Bitter or Better?
When we face adversity, we are often faced with the choice of how we want to respond to those challenges. Will they make us bitter, or will they help us become better? It's a choice we all face, and one that can significantly shape the direction of our lives.On this episode of Building Resilience, is the cliché of becoming "bitter or better" really true? I'll share how adversity can either weigh us down, leaving us stuck in bitterness, or become a stepping stone toward growth and resilience. We'll also talk about some tools like small actions and practicing self-compassion to help you shift from bitter to better.Links:Ep.120 - The Drama Triangle and The Empowerment DynamicEp.113 - The Power Shift: Transforming from Victim to AgentEp.127 - Affect LabelingResources:The "Memory Matters" course---cherish and protect your memories, they're invaluable.The Advanced Nervous System Resilience training! Dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its role in our lives.My video series, "The 30 Second Burnout Solution"---a lifeline for those grappling with stress and burnout, especially compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.Connect:Could you do me a favor? Please leave a review on your preferred podcast platform---it helps me reach more and more people. I'd also love to hear any insights or questions you have.You can also pay me a visit on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find me on my website and book a mini session with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.