In this episode I'm talking about how stress and anxiety serve us. It may feel like these emotions are out of your control, simply burdens to bear, but over time, I’ve come to understand that these feelings are actually signaling unmet needs.

We'll explore how our behaviors—like worry, anxiety, and hypervigilance—are often attempts to meet these needs, drawing on the theories of Abraham Maslow and William Glasser's basic needs (survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun)

By reframing our understanding of stress and anxiety, we can learn to manage them more effectively, This episode breaks down how unmet needs drive our behaviors and emotional responses, offering practical insights to shift our perspectives and build resilience.

Understanding this can help us shift our perspective and develop skills to better manage these emotions. We’ll discuss how unmet needs can trigger stress responses and how recognizing these patterns can lead to healthier coping strategies.

We discuss how this cycle can become a part of our identity, acting as a barrier to joy and pleasure. By identifying which of our basic needs are going unmet, we can break free from this cycle and transform our relationship with stress and anxiety.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new perspective on your stress and anxiety and tools to address them more effectively.

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

Today we're revisiting a conversation with Eilie Reid, a yoga and meditation coach who integrates Ayurveda into her practices, on aligning with natural rhythms to transform your well-being.

In this episode, we’ll explore how seasonality and spirality influence our energy and focus throughout the year and our lives. Learn how to embrace a slower pace during certain seasons, prioritize self-care, and adapt your productivity to the natural ebb and flow of your energy levels.

We explore the challenges of maintaining consistent productivity, especially in areas with strong seasonal changes. Find out why what we often see as disorders could actually be a misalignment with our natural rhythms, and how traditional activities like gardening and connecting with local farmers can offer profound insights into these cycles.

We offer practical advice on setting personalized self-care routines that respect your individual needs and rhythms, and how "nervous system hygiene" is a pathway to better balance and well-being.

Finally, we delve into the deeper ideas of continuously learning to be oneself and embracing the cyclical nature of life and memory.

Get in there and give it a listen for more!

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

In this episode, I share candid anecdotes on adapting daily routines to carve out moments for self-care and stress reduction. Recently, I had to pause my usual routine to prioritize someone else, which highlighted the importance of recognizing and adjusting our priorities as they change.

I discuss how trying to do everything at once doesn’t work and emphasize focusing on one priority at a time. Whether it's growth, rest, career, or personal connections, different times call for different priorities.

I also highlight the importance of choosing yourself as a priority and provide actionable advice on aligning your actions with your priorities. This includes practical steps like auditing your time to ensure you’re directing your energy with intention.

Embrace adaptability and discover how small, intentional changes can lead to a more balanced life. Tune in to learn how to manage your time and energy effectively, allowing you to navigate life's demands with greater ease and fulfillment.

Get in there and give it a listen!

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

In this episode, we explore how resisting our reality and fighting against what has already happened can lead to stress and unhappiness. When our expectations don’t match reality, we often waste energy wishing things were different, which only increases our dissatisfaction.

Inspired by Carl Jung’s idea that "what we resist persists," we discuss how focusing on what we don’t want can make those things stick around even more. By resisting, we direct our energy and attention to these unwanted experiences, perpetuating a cycle of negative emotions.

We also examine the protective patterns we develop to avoid pain and how these can trap us in feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. By viewing these emotions objectively and learning from them, we can break free from their grip.

Listeners are encouraged to take responsibility for their thoughts, actions, and the meanings they attach to their experiences. By practicing acceptance—not as resignation but as acknowledgment of reality—we can begin to align our actions with our true intentions and desires.

To wrap up, I challenge you to notice where you are attaching to thoughts or feelings and the meanings you assign to them. With this awareness, you can start taking actions that lead to a more peaceful and intentional life.

Get in there and give it a listen for more!

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

In today's episode we talk about the power of acceptance in resilience. learning to recognize and acknowledge challenges without judgment can profoundly impact our ability to manage stress and anxiety.

Acceptance isn't about loving the situation but understanding it deeply enough to let go of resistance and shift our focus towards actionable steps toward useful and usable tools for what to do right now.

Learn how to harness self-awareness and distinguish between active and resigning acceptance in our journey towards mental well-being. We'll delve into practical techniques for self-regulation and highlight the physiological benefits of acceptance.

By understanding and embracing "what is," we open the door to intentional, forward-moving choices, adaptive coping strategies, and ultimately, a healthier relationship with our life experiences.

Get in there and give it a listen for more!

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

Can our thoughts really reshape our physical state? find out in this special throwback episode from August 2021, where we dive into the connection between your thoughts and your nervous system health.

We'll explore how neuroplasticity empowers our brains to adapt and grow with every new experience, and how our thoughts can directly influence our nervous system. You'll learn the impact that stress and fear can have on our hormonal responses, and learn how shifting your perception of danger can improve your physical health.

This episode offers practical insights on managing your thoughts as a tool to unlearn harmful behaviors and beliefs. We'll discuss the importance of prioritizing self-growth, changing negative thoughts, and breaking free from environments and relationships that no longer serve you.

Get in there and give it a listen for more!

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

How do you react to stress and discomfort?

Could your coping mechanisms use some fine-tuning?

In today’s episode, we’re exploring how dealing with discomfort can help us grow stronger and more resilient.

We’ll start with a simple yet powerful example: cold plunges. For some, the mere thought of cold can trigger stress and anger. We’ll use this to dive deeper into how we often react to discomfort and stress in our lives.

Join me to discuss personal stories and practical tips on building stress tolerance, whether through cold showers, exercise, or other challenges. Learn how small, intentional steps can help you manage discomfort, stay calm, and better understand yourself and your reactions.

Get in there and give it a listen!

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter

Discover how therapists can better care for themselves while supporting others with our special guest, Chris McDonald, a holistic therapist, yoga and meditation teacher, podcaster, and author.

Chris shares invaluable insights on the necessity of self-care for those who hold space for others' emotional and traumatic experiences. Learn how incorporating personal practices like yoga and mindfulness can elevate the authenticity and effectiveness of these techniques when applied in therapy sessions. Chris also delves into her mission of training therapists to integrate yoga into their professional work, emphasizing the crucial role of nervous system regulation in fostering a healthier therapeutic environment.

Chris shares the benefits of processing rather than resisting emotions, helping to ease the nervous system and reduce stress. We discuss practical techniques for inviting and allowing emotions to flow naturally and explore the integration of holistic approaches such as Qigong and art therapy.

Get in there and give it a listen for more!

Resources:
The Holistic Counseling Podcast
Find Chris on Instagram
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mcdonald-bb831823/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HCPodcast8

BBR Episode #151: Busting the Myths of MIndfulness and Meditation: A talk with Addie Dihelster

Support the Show.

Resources:

Manage Your Stress Mentorship
Discovery call

You can find more about Brain-Body Resilience and JPB:

On the BBR Website
On Instagram
On Facebook
Sign up for the BBR newsletter