Polyvagal Theory is a term thrown around quite a bit in the world of counseling and functional medicine, but how does it play a role in our stress responses in the day-to-day? That's what this episode focuses on. This is a deep dive into understanding what it means to be in a state of "fight, … Continue reading How to Decrease Stress Through Nervous System Regulation
I remember when I was first diagnosed with all my mental illness labels, and how I was told I would struggle for the rest of my life. I felt isolated and insecure, believing I was the only person to struggle from something as heavy-sounding as "manic-depressive illness." Today, with mental illness labels becoming ubiquitous features … Continue reading How to Heal Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder
Beyond the brain health benefits, beyond the physical health benefits, moving your body is a way to intentionally connect to it and create space for safety and healing and growth. When you have trauma of any kind, when you have body image issues or a history of disordered eating or disordered exercise behaviors, when you … Continue reading Stop Using Exercise to Punish Your Body; Use It to Connect WITH Your Body
This month, I'm taking a break from the regular podcast content to bring episodes focused on bringing awareness to all the tools that support our mental health. Contrary to what the media may tell you, you can change your brain. You can heal from mental illness. You can access resources beyond medication and more sleep, … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month: Special Podcast Episodes
I love supporting my mental health through nutrients from food. When I stopped dieting and started focusing on ADDING colorful variety and nutrient density, it was a much needed mindset change. This helped me to learn to listen to my body’s needs, instead of viewing my body as a project I needed to perfect and … Continue reading Favorite Foods for Brain Health
I started my website four years ago because I wanted to share my story of surviving mental illness, and I wanted to give hope for healing for those that are continuing to struggle with errors. I wanted to share how it isn't just chemicals in the brain, how it isn't just in your head, and … Continue reading It’s Not Either/Or; It’s Both/And
While I was officially given a mental illness diagnosis over 22 years ago, I struggled long before that. That means I’ve spent most of my life battling my brain. These five things help me manage my symptoms and keep me checking in with myself. When I’m feeling off, I check in and ask myself how … Continue reading Five Things I Do For My Mental Health Every Day
22 years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or manic depressive illness, as they called it back then) based on a set of symptoms, according to the DSM and failure to respond well to SSRI medication. My identity is not in my diagnosis, and neither is yours. Imagine if we also said, "I am … Continue reading Why I’m Not Bipolar – and Neither Is Anyone Else
The coolest thing about "un-dieting" and choosing to partner with my body for nourishment - instead of punishment - is that I know when my body is craving nutrients. After the Thanksgiving leftovers were gone a couple weeks ago, I threw this together. Then I made it again this weekend, because I was missing it. … Continue reading Holiday (Detox) Soup
They say this is the most wonderful time of the year, but for those of us who struggle with seasonal mood fluctuations, it often isn’t. I always try to make an effort to enter this season on the offense, instead of playing defense. Here are five things that could be triggering anxiety and mood instability … Continue reading Five Things Triggering Anxiety over the Holidays
