Alive & Well – Burnout, Anxiety, Nervous System, Productivity, Time Management, Somatic Tools, Work-Life Balance

Ever feel like your mind and body just can’t chill—no matter how much lavender oil, deep breathing, or “self-care” you try?You might be missing the real MVP of nervous system regulation: your vagus nerve.It’s not just some wellness buzzword.  The vagus nerve is your nervous system’s on switch for calm—and if it’s not firing well, neither are you.In this episode, we’re breaking down why your system won’t stop buzzing, even when you’re doing all the “right” things (deep breathing, journaling, nightly tea… anyone?).And more importantly?Exactly how to reset your system in a way that’s simple, science-backed, and actually doable in real life.You’ll learn:What the vagus nerve actually is (and why you should care)The difference between high vs. low vagal tone—and how it impacts your stress, digestion, sleep, and mood7 science-backed, ways to naturally tone your vagus nerve starting todayNo expensive gadgets. No hour-long routines. Just real tools for real life.🎧 Hit play to start rewiring your stress response from the inside out.Related Episodes:Previous EpisodeThe 4 Rs of Stress Relief: A Simple Framework to Calm Your Mind and BodyWhy Your Nervous System May Be Dysregulated Even If You Don’t Feel Stressed OutSurprising Ways We’ve All Experienced Childhood Trauma – 3 Categories of Trauma and Toxic Stress3 Daily Practices to Calm Stress and Anxiety (Part 1)3 Daily Practices for Calming Stress and Anxiety (Part 2) --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

You love your kids. But lately? You feel irritated, overstimulated, and straight-up overwhelmed. This isn’t just “normal mom stress.”You’re likely parenting from survival mode—with a nervous system stuck in overdrive.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 5 signs that you're parenting in fight-or-flight—and what to do when the chaos feels constant and your patience is MIA.We’re talking about: The nervous system patterns behind overstimulation, urgency, and disconnectionWhy you feel guilty for resting (and how to rewire that belief)Small, doable shifts to get out of fight-or-flight (even when your kids are climbing the walls)Because it’s not just about getting through the day.It’s about feeling grounded, present, and actually liking the life you’re building.You and your kiddos deserve that.🎧 Hit play for a new way forward.Related Links:Previous EpisodeThe Lies We’re Dealt about Motherhood and How to Live, Work, and Parent on our Own TermsIs Your Inner Child Running the Show? Simple Steps to Start Reparenting YourselfWhat Does It Take To Be a Zen Parent? The Power of Self-Awareness and Mindfulness in MotherhoodConnection-Focused Strategies for Challenging Parenting Moments5 Surprising Ways Anxiety Can Show Up in Parenting --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

You know something’s off—your energy is tanked, your moods are all over the place, and your body feels like it’s waving a red flag.But every time you get your labs done? “Everything looks normal.” 🙄You’re not imagining things. And you’re definitely not a hypochondriac.In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Heather Stone—a functional medicine practitioner, hormone expert, and regenerative farmer (yep, we go there)—who’s here to break down the real, often-missed signs of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune disease that so many high-achieving women are silently living with.We’re talking about the emotional toll of being dismissed, the early signs no one talks about, and the exact steps you can take to start feeling better in your body.She also shares how stress, blood sugar, and even your exercise routine might be affecting your symptoms—and how to start replenishing your body’s reserves with small, practical shifts.Things you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why your labs might be “normal,” but you still feel exhausted, anxious, or off✅ The difference between dysfunction and disease—and why catching it early matters✅ The first 3 things to focus on if you’re ready to start rebuilding your health and energyThis episode is your permission slip to trust yourself, ask better questions, and stop settling for feeling “meh.”Let’s get into it. 🎧👇Connect with Dr. Heather Stone:IG:@drheatherstoneFB Group: Happy Healthy and Lean: Women Overcoming Low Thyroid>>> REGISTER FOR THE CALM & COLLECTED WORKSHOP <<<Related Links:Previous EpisodeIs Suppressing Your Emotions Making You Sick? Surprising Ways Your Emotional Health Impacts Your Physical Health5 Ways to Tell Whether Your Productivity is Toxic or HealthyHow to Prioritize our Mental HealthWhy Am I Like This?! How The 3 States of Our Nervous System Affect Motherhood, Health, and ProductivityPrioritize Your Wellbeing Without Mom Guilt With Robin Rhine McDonald --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

If you’ve been trying to balance your hormones, fix your fatigue, or finally regulate your nervous system—but still feel like a burnt-out zombie in yoga pants—it might not be what you are doing…It might be what you need to stop.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on 5 sneaky habits I cut out that made a massive difference in how I feel—physically, emotionally, mentally, hormonally (hi, cortisol).And no, this isn’t about a 17-step morning routine or becoming someone who cold plunges at 5 a.m.This is about doing less, but doing it more intentionally.We’re diving into: Why your “healthy habits” might actually be stressing out your nervous systemThe 5 habits I quit that gave me my energy, patience, and sanity backHow to get your cortisol to chill—without quitting your life and becoming a hermitIf you’re tired of being tired, anxious for no reason, or just running on vibes and caffeine—this one’s for you.🎧 Hit play and let’s talk about 5 habits you don’t need in your life anymore.>>> REGISTER FOR THE CALM & COLLECTED WORKSHOP <<<Related Links:Previous EpisodeMy 5 Step Mourning Routine4 Signs You're Addicted to Cortisol (And How to Fix It)Stuck in Bad Habits? Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Learn the 3 Requirements for Lasting ChangeThese 5 Habits are Causing Your Burnout --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

Ever wake up and feel like your brain is already going a mile a minute—kids, work, schedules, the endless to-do list? This guided meditation invites you to start your morning differently—to wake up grounded, grateful, and energized.In just a few minutes, you’ll:Anchor into a deep sense of calm and presenceCultivate gratitude to shift your mindset before the day even beginsBoost your energy with a simple, intentional practice that supports your nervous systemYou can listen before you even get out of bed, while sipping your coffee, as you get ready, or on your morning commute. Wherever you fit it in, let this be a moment of calm before the day picks up speed.🌿 PRO TIP: Save this episode and come back to it every morning for the next week. Notice how it shifts your energy, your focus, and how you move through the day. Now, take a deep breath… and let’s begin.Related Episodes:Previous EpisodeCranky in the Morning? 3 Things I Do When I Wake Up Feeling Irritable5 Morning Mistakes that Wreck Your Nervous System and Cause BurnoutA Powerful Nighttime Routine to Optimize Your Health --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

You know that sinking feeling when you’re about to start something important—but instead, you scroll, organize a drawer, or suddenly need to deep-clean your entire kitchen?Or when you say yes to something you definitely don’t want to do, just to avoid disappointing someone?Or when you rewrite an email seven times before sending it, making sure there’s no room for anyone to judge you?But here’s the truth: These aren’t personality traits. They’re actually stress responses.Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and procrastination aren’t random habits—they’re deeply wired patterns your nervous system created to keep you safe. At some point, your brain learned that being perfect, avoiding failure, or making everyone happy helped you avoid rejection, criticism, or disappointment. And now? These patterns are running on autopilot.But here’s the good news: You can rewire them.In this episode, we’re breaking down: Why these patterns feel impossible to shake (spoiler: it’s not a willpower issue) How your nervous system keeps you stuck in stress loops—and what to do about it The first steps to rewiring these patterns so you can move through life with more ease, confidence, and peaceBecause you’re not stuck this way. And the sooner you stop seeing these patterns as your personality and start seeing them as something you can rewire, the sooner you’ll finally feel free.Let’s get into it. 🎧👇Related Links:Previous EpisodeBreak Free from Perfectionism & Procrastination and Build Habits That StickThe Spiritual Solution to People PleasingHow to Break the People-Pleasing CycleAre You a Perfectionist? 3 Reasons Perfectionists Have High AnxietyIs it Perfectionism or Excellence? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do About It --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

Ever catch yourself reacting to your kids in a way that shocks you? Maybe you hear your own mother’s voice coming out of your mouth, or you feel like you’re constantly walking the tightrope between patience and losing it.You’re not crazy. You’re not failing. And you’re definitely not alone.The truth is, unresolved experiences from your past don’t just disappear—they live in your body, shaping the way you respond to stress, relationships, and, yes, parenting. And until you recognize what’s happening under the surface, you’ll keep repeating the same patterns, no matter how much you “know better.”That’s why I’m sitting down with Dr. Chinwé Williams, a trauma therapist, EMDR specialist, and bestselling author, to unpack how past experiences influence our nervous system, emotions, and the way we show up as parents.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying invisible weight, or you find yourself snapping, shutting down, or over-controlling (even when you don’t want to), this conversation is going to be a game-changerWe unpack what trauma really is, how it manifests in our bodies, and how it influences the way we show up as mothers, partners, and professionals. 3 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:What Trauma Really Is – It’s not just the “big” stuff. Chronic stress, emotional neglect, or even parents’ high expectations can shape your nervous system.How Your Past Shows Up in Parenting – Unresolved trauma can resurface in emotional triggers, parenting patterns, and unexpected reactions to your child’s behavior.Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System – Learn simple, effective strategies to calm your body and model emotional resilience for your children.You can break the cycle. You can rewrite the script. And it starts here.Hit play, and let’s talk about it. 🎧💛🔗 Connect with Dr. Chinwé:Website: drchinwewilliams.comInstagram: @dr.chinwewilliamsRelated Episodes:Previous EpisodeOvercoming Trauma and Discovering Your Courage for ChangeSurprising Ways We’ve All Experienced Childhood Trauma – 3 Categories of Trauma and Toxic StressHow Helicopter Parenting is Impacting Your KidsCo-Parenting? 4 Steps to Move out of Toxic Communication, Conflict, & Chaos5 Surprising Ways Anxiety Can Show Up in Parenting --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly busy but never truly productive? Your to-do list is endless, you’re always running from one task to the next, and yet, at the end of the day, it feels like you haven’t really moved the needle on what actually matters. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.In today’s episode, we’re breaking down why busyness isn’t the same as productivity—and why understanding this is crucial to creating a stress-free, fulfilling life. The truth is, constantly being in “go mode” keeps your nervous system stuck in a state of reactivity, making it harder to focus, prioritize, and accomplish meaningful work. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing more but achieving less, it’s time to shift from just checking boxes to true, intentional productivity.Listen in to learn:Why stress hijacks your brain and keeps you trapped in the cycle of busynessThe difference between reactive busyness and true, fulfilling productivityHow regulating your nervous system can help you work smarter—not harder—so you can finally feel calm, focused, and in control of your time.Related Links:Previous EpisodeCure Your Busy Brain: The Protocol to Calm an Anxious MindUnlock Inner Peace: 5 Strategies for Busy MomsBreaking Busy: 5 Reasons Why You Might Struggle with RestTime with God as Busy Mom: How Prioritizing a Spiritual Practice Helps Calm the ChaosGet Organized! How Busy Moms Reduce Clutter & Manage Their Time --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

You love your kids more than life itself… so why does everything they do feel like nails on a chalkboard lately?Why are you so exhausted before the day even starts?Why does it feel like you’re carrying the entire weight of your family’s existence while no one else seems to notice?If that sounds familiar, you’re not just tired—you might be in mom burnout. It’s full-blown nervous system dysregulation—your brain and body stuck in overdrive, running on stress hormones, and leaving you physically, mentally, and emotionally fried.But here’s the good news: burnout isn’t permanent. And you don’t have to “push through” or wait for some magical day when life slows down. You can start healing now.Listen in to learn:✅ The 3 biggest signs of mom burnout (that you might be brushing off as “normal”)✅ How chronic stress is rewiring your nervous system—and what that means for your patience, energy, and memory✅ Small, realistic steps you can take today to start healing and regulating your nervous systemIf you’ve been telling yourself, “This is just my life now,” I promise you—it doesn’t have to be this way forever. Let’s dive in and start making real changes.Related Links:Previous EpisodeGet Organized! How Busy Moms Reduce Clutter & Manage Their TimeSober Curious? Sneaky Ways Mommy Wine Culture is Impacting Your Nervous SystemWorking Mom’s Survival Guide: 8 Lessons for Work-Life BalancePut Your Lists Away! Effective Time Management, Organization and Productivity for MomsRecognizing Burnout: 6 Critical Symptoms You Might Be Overlooking --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

Do you wear perfectionism like a badge of honor?Maybe you tell yourself that it’s the reason you’re successful—the thing that keeps you disciplined, polished, and ahead of the game. That being meticulous is what sets you apart.But let’s be real—what has perfectionism also given you? Overthinking? Anxiety? A chronic sense that no matter what you accomplish, it’s never quite enough?Perfectionism isn’t actually a flex—it’s a stress response. And if you’ve been wearing it like a badge of honor, it might be the very thing keeping you stuck.In this episode, we’ll break down:🔥 How perfectionism keeps you playing small, not helping you grow🧠 How your nervous system reinforces perfectionism(spoiler: you can rewire it)💡 The sneaky ways perfectionism blocks learning, growth, & creativity🔑 Simple, body-based strategies to break the cycle and ewire your brain for resilience, confidence, and easeHow about we stop letting perfectionism call the shots? Listen in, and let’s start unlearning the patterns that are keeping you overwhelmed, overworked, and over it. 💛 --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️