Healing Is My Hobby

This Might Be a Trauma Response: High-Functioning Trauma Healing Is My Hobby | This Might Be a Trauma Response SeriesWhat if the most common sign of trauma isn't falling apart — it's having it all together?In this installment of the This Might Be a Trauma Response series, Jessica breaks down high-functioning trauma: what it is, why it's so easy to miss, and the four ways it most commonly shows up in everyday life. This episode is for the person who keeps going, keeps producing, keeps holding it together — and quietly wonders why something still feels off.In this episode, you'll hear about:What high-functioning trauma actually is (and why it's not a character flaw)The four most common high-functioning trauma responses: hyperproductivity, perfectionism, hyperindependence, and fawningWhy each of these patterns started as a survival strategy — and why they're still running even when the danger is goneThe fourth trauma response that doesn't get talked about enough: fawning, or "fight, flight, freeze, or please"A simple but powerful grounding practice called Values Grounding to bring you back to yourselfThis week's healing tool — Values Grounding:Find a quiet five minutes and sit with these three questions:Who am I when I'm not performing?What do I actually value — deeply, quietly, before the world told me who to be?Is what I'm doing right now aligned with those values, or am I running a pattern that belongs to the past?Write down 3–5 words. Don't overthink it. Trust what comes first.If you've been listening to this series and want to go deeper on identity — who you are beneath the trauma and anxiety — Jessica's other podcast, Chasing Brighter (co-hosted with her sister Kelly), is dedicating the entire month of May to Identity and Expectations. Find it at chasingbrighter.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.Stay connected:📬 Sign up for the newsletter + read the blog: healingismyhobby.com📩 Send a message: Contact Jessica📸 Instagram: @healingismyhobby🎥 YouTube: @healingismyhobby🖥️ Clinical practice: jessicacolarcolcsw.com | @jessicacolarcolcswhigh functioning trauma, trauma responses, hyperproductivity, perfectionism, hyperindependence, fawning, people pleasing, fight flight freeze fawn, values grounding, healing, what is high functioning trauma, signs of high functioning trauma, trauma that looks like success, why am I always productive, perfectionism as trauma response, people pleasing and trauma, fawning trauma response, how to stop people pleasing, hyperindependence healing, why I can't ask for help, mental health podcast, healing podcast, women's mental health, therapy insights, self-awareness, emotional healing, anxiety podcast, trauma recovery, This Might Be a Trauma Response, Healing Is My Hobby

Your nervous system isn't broken. It's doing exactly what it was designed to do.But when the danger has passed and the responses stay — the numbness, the sleeplessness, the reactions that feel way too big for the moment — that's when it becomes important to understand what's actually happening inside you.In this Healing Lab episode, Jessica Colarco, LCSW, takes you deep into the world of Big T and Little t trauma — what they are, how they live in your body, and most importantly, two simple experiments you can start today to begin reconnecting with yourself.This isn't about diagnosing yourself or labeling your past. It's about getting curious, getting honest, and understanding that healing starts with noticing.💛 Ready for support? Sign up for the newsletter here.In This EpisodeThe difference between Big T and Little t trauma — and why "little" doesn't mean less significantThe three impacts of Big T trauma: somatic disconnection, hypervigilance, and narrative fragmentationThe three impacts of Little t trauma: chronic sleep disruption, emotional flooding, and persistent on-edge feelingsWhy the nervous system doesn't rank experiences — it just responds to themWhy healing has to include the body, not just the mindHealing Lab Experiment #1: The body scan check-in — a gentle somatic practice to notice where you're connected and where you're notHealing Lab Experiment #2: The trigger log — a 24–48 hour practice to map the gap between stimulus and storyA guided body scan you can do right now, in real timeTakeawayYour nervous system learned its responses to keep you safe. It did its job. But you don't have to stay in survival mode forever. Healing is possible — and it starts with exactly what you practiced today: noticing.Try the Healing Lab ExperimentsExperiment #1 — The Body Scan Check-In Find a comfortable seat, close your eyes or soften your gaze, and slowly move your awareness from the top of your head to the soles of your feet — about five minutes. You're not fixing anything. You're noticing. Document what you find, especially any areas that feel numb, distant, or hard to locate.Experiment #2 — The Trigger Log For 24–48 hours, keep a small notebook or your phone's notes app handy. Every time you feel a spike of irritability, anxiety, or emotional flooding, log three things: (1) What happened right before? (2) What did your body do first? (3) What story did your brain immediately tell you about what it meant?💛 Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica's clinical practice? Click here.Big T trauma, little t trauma, somatic disconnection, hypervigilance, narrative fragmentation, body scan meditation, trauma triggers, nervous system healing, emotional flooding, trauma-informed therapy, PTSD, somatic therapy, polyvagal theory, trauma responses, healing lab

What if your triggers weren't signs of weakness, but proof your nervous system is working exactly as designed? In this Therapy Is My Cardio workout, Jessica walks you through a four-step real-time regulation practice for mild, everyday triggers: the critical email, the tense conversation, the racing heart in traffic. You'll learn to identify what's activating you, notice where it lives in your body, and choose a grounding intervention — whether that's breathwork, orienting, or gentle movement. Think of it as a small but mighty nervous system workout. Because healing doesn't happen in one big moment. It happens in hundreds of small ones, just like this.💛 Ready for support?Click here to sign up for the newsletter.Key TakeawaysHealing is practiced through small, consistent steps.Triggers are signals, not failures, and can be managed.Deep breathing and grounding are effective regulation tools.Resilience is about capacity, not perfection.Practice makes nervous system flexibility a habit.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing and Trauma00:38 Understanding Trauma Responses02:01 Identifying Mild Triggers03:55 Practicing Regulation Techniques06:40 Reframing Triggers and Building Resilience08:48 Conclusion and ResourcesWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. trauma responses, nervous system, emotional regulation, compassion, mental health, grounding practices, healing tools

What if trauma isn’t defined by the event — but by how your nervous system experienced it?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco, LCSW, breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: trauma.Many people believe trauma only applies to extreme, life-threatening events. But trauma is actually about nervous system overwhelm — when experiences exceed our capacity to process them in the moment.Jessica explains the difference between Big T trauma (major life-threatening events) and little t trauma (chronic emotional stress, relational wounds, and repeated experiences of not feeling safe, seen, or supported). Both shape how our nervous system learns to respond to the world.This conversation reframes trauma through a compassionate, neuroscience-informed lens, helping listeners understand that trauma responses like hyper-vigilance, people-pleasing, emotional numbing, or overworking are not character flaws — they are adaptations your nervous system developed to survive.The most hopeful part? Trauma is not permanent damage. Because of neuroplasticity, the nervous system can learn new patterns of safety, regulation, and resilience.If you’ve ever wondered why certain situations trigger strong reactions or patterns you can’t quite explain, this episode offers clarity, understanding, and the first step toward healing.Key TakeawaysTrauma is defined by nervous system overwhelm, not just by the event itself.Big T trauma involves life-threatening events, while little t trauma involves chronic emotional stress and relational wounds.Trauma responses are survival adaptations, not personal weaknesses.Trauma is often stored in the body and nervous system, shaping how we react to stress.Through awareness, regulation, and supportive practices, healing is possible.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:05 Jessica's Background and Focus on Trauma02:03 Defining Trauma: Nervous System Overwhelm04:26 Big T Trauma: Life-Threatening Events06:24 Little T Trauma: Chronic Emotional Experiences08:06 Why Both Types Matter for Healing09:04 What Trauma Is Not: Common Misconceptions11:34 Trauma Is Not Permanent Damage12:36 Trauma Stored in the Body and Nervous System14:30 The Body Keeps the Score and Healing Strategies15:55 Trauma's Impact on the Nervous System17:52 Trauma Responses and Reactivity20:18 Shifting from Self-Judgment to Compassion21:36 Reflective Practice: Noticing Patterns23:04 The Power of Understanding and Compassion24:11 Next Steps in Healing and Upcoming TopicsWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. ResourcesThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWhat Happened to You by Bruce Perry and Oprah WinfreyGabor Maté's The Myth of Normaltrauma, nervous system, healing, big T trauma, little t trauma, mental health, regulation, safety, recovery, neuroplasticity

What if your overwhelm isn’t weakness… but your nervous system trying to protect you?In a world that feels loud, fast, and often unsettling, it’s easy to assume something is “wrong” with us when we feel numb, reactive, exhausted, or on edge.In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco, LCSW, invites you to consider a gentler truth: many of your reactions to current world events aren’t character flaws — they’re trauma responses.With over 19 years as a therapist specializing in anxiety and trauma, Jessica breaks down what nervous system overload actually looks like in real life. From doom-scrolling and hyperfixation to irritability, guilt, and hopelessness, she helps you understand why your body and brain may be responding the way they are.This conversation is not about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding yourself.Jessica reframes common stress reactions through a trauma-informed lens and offers simple, practical regulation tools you can use immediately — grounding practices, body-based resets, and compassionate mindset shifts that help bring your rational brain back online.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally flooded, disconnected, or just not like yourself lately, this episode will help you feel seen — and steadied.💛 Ready for support?Click here to get your free Collective Calm Toolkit — a gentle resource designed to help you regulate, ground, and reconnect when the world feels dysregulating.Key TakeawaysMany reactions to world events are trauma responses — not personal flaws.Numbness, hyperfixation, anger, guilt, and hopelessness are protective nervous system states.Understanding your trauma responses builds self-compassion and reduces shame.Regulation practices don’t have to be complicated to be effective.Grounding and body-based exercises help bring your rational brain back online.Chapters00:00 Understanding Trauma Responses02:52 Reframing Common Reactions05:43 Regulation and Grounding Practices08:52 Closing Thoughts and Future DirectionsWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. trauma responses, nervous system, emotional regulation, compassion, mental health, grounding practices, healing tools

What if staying informed is actually dysregulating you? And what if protecting your peace isn’t avoidance… but wisdom?In this month’s Healing Lab, Jessica Colarco, LCSW, tests real-life nervous system practices to answer one question:What actually helps us stay regulated in a dysregulated world?Not perfectly. Not as a productivity hack.But as an experiment.This month’s lab included:A 48-hour news fastIntentional social media boundariesSimple polyvagal practices (including surprisingly powerful humming)A daily “What’s In My Control?” journaling ritualA tender collective grief practiceJessica shares what worked, what didn’t, what surprised her (hello, humming), and what she’s keeping moving forward.You’ll hear:Why the first 24 hours of a news fast are the hardestHow constant information overload keeps the nervous system on high alertA simple explanation of the vagus nerve and how to activate your body’s calming systemThe phrase that became this month’s anchor:“I can care deeply and still protect my peace.”How the full Serenity Prayer reframed control and surrenderWhy naming grief can feel heavy — and relieving at the same timeThis episode isn’t about disconnecting from the world.It’s about learning how to engage without abandoning yourself.Because healing isn’t about doing everything.It’s about noticing what supports your nervous system — and letting go of what doesn’t.✨ Try ThisIf you want to experiment alongside Jessica, download the Collective Calm Toolkit inside the newsletter at:👉 healingismyhobby.comNo pressure. No perfection. Just gentle support.🔗 Stay ConnectedFor more resources and blog posts: healingismyhobby.comFollow along:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyClinical practice:🖥️ jessicacolarcolcsw.comInstagram: @jessicacolarcolcsw

Is Doom Scrolling a Bad Habit… or Your Nervous System Asking for Help?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco takes a compassionate look at doom scrolling—not as a lack of discipline or willpower, but as a nervous system response to uncertainty, fear, and information overload.We’re living in a time of nonstop headlines, constant alerts, and a lingering sense of urgency. When the world feels unpredictable, our brains naturally search for information as a way to regain control. Jessica breaks down what’s really happening in the brain and body during doom scrolling, why novelty and dopamine keep us stuck in the loop, and how understanding this response can soften self-judgment and lead to real change.You’ll also learn a simple three-step Doom Scroll Reset to help interrupt the cycle—without shame—and how offering safety to your nervous system is far more effective than criticism. Plus, Jessica shares supportive resources, including the Collective Calm Toolkit, to help you regulate emotions in a chaotic world.Click here to get your free Collective Calm ToolkitKey TakeawaysWe're living in a time of constant information, urgency, and uncertainty.Doom scrolling is not a willpower problem; it's a nervous system response.Dopamine hits from novelty can create a loop that's hard to break.Understanding the brain's response to uncertainty can help us interpret our actions with compassion.The three-step doom scroll reset includes pausing, grounding, and replacing behaviors.Compassion leads to faster change than criticism.Our nervous systems seek safety and control in uncertain environments.Offering safety is key to breaking nervous system loops.The Collective Calm toolkit provides resources for emotional regulation.Healing is a personal journey; what works for one may not work for another.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Emotional Fitness01:37 Understanding Doom Scrolling04:33 Doom Scroll Reset Techniques07:21 Practical Applications and ResourcesWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here.emotional regulation, doom scrolling, nervous system, mental health, self-care, therapy, mindfulness, coping strategies, social media, anxiety

What happens when the world feels overwhelming—and your nervous system won’t settle?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco explores what it really means to stay regulated in a dysregulated world. Through personal reflection and therapist-informed insight, Jessica shares how our nervous systems respond to stress, uncertainty, and perceived threat—even when danger is indirect.Using a recent personal experience as a touchpoint, this episode gently unpacks the difference between survival mode and intentional regulation, reminding listeners that frustration and gratitude can coexist. You’ll learn why feeling overwhelmed makes sense, how grounding supports the nervous system, and how small, practical tools can help you feel steadier when life feels chaotic.This episode offers reassurance, perspective, and simple practices to help you care deeply—without carrying everything at once.Key TakeawaysHealing can be playful and woven into daily life.It's normal to feel overwhelmed after unexpected events.Both frustration and gratitude can coexist.Our nervous systems react to perceived threats, even indirectly.Regulation means supporting your body, not ignoring reality.Grounding techniques can help shift our nervous system back to safety.The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method engages the senses for regulation.Small moments of grounding can accumulate to create stability.Caring deeply does not mean carrying everything at once.Noticing when you're in survival mode is key to regulation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing and Personal Growth01:57 Navigating Trauma and Growth Mindset04:51 Understanding Nervous System Responses09:16 Grounding Techniques for Regulation10:05 Conclusion and Resources for SupportWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. mental wellness, personal growth, nervous system, grounding techniques, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, self-care, mindfulness, therapy, coping strategies

Chasing Brighter Season 5 Trailer: Reset, Rest, ReconnectWhat if every season of life deserves to feel brighter?Chasing Brighter began as a guide for women in midlife—but this season, we’re expanding the conversation. Because no matter your age, your season, or your story, you deserve joy, growth, and connection.In Season Five, Jessica and Kelly invite you into a deeper, more honest space—one that celebrates realness over perfection and growth over pressure. This season is about connection, authenticity, and permission to be exactly who you are.✨ Real is the new perfect—and we’re just getting started.February Theme: Reset, Rest, ReconnectFebruary on Chasing Brighter is all about turning inward and gently starting again. While Valentine’s Day often focuses on romantic love, we’re shifting the focus to self-connection.Winter invites rest, reflection, and slowing down—so we’re leaning into that energy with tools and conversations to help you:Reset your mindset and nervous systemRest without guiltReconnect with yourself before reconnecting with othersFree Download: The 7-Day Brighter ChallengeWe created a 7-Day Brighter Challenge: A Self-Love Reset to help you gently reconnect with yourself in this season of life.Join our newsletter to receive your free download and start your reset with us.👉 Head to chasingbrighter.com for details and to subscribe.Coming This Season on Chasing BrighterMore diverse stories and voicesHonest conversations about growth, identity, and joyPractical tools for self-care, connection, and lively livingPermission to let go of perfect and embrace what’s real

What if your anxiety isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you—but proof that your body learned how to survive?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco explores how anxiety often comes from past trauma, not just present-day stress. She breaks down how the nervous system learns to stay on high alert, why collective stress can amplify those responses, and how to gently support your body back into safety.You’ll learn grounding and mindfulness tools, how to reframe anxiety as a protective strategy, and why healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about understanding it with compassion and patience.If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I so anxious when nothing is wrong?”—this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysAnxiety can be a trauma response, not just stress.The body learns to stay alert from past trauma.Reframing anxiety as a protective strategy is crucial.Gentle check-ins can help manage anxiety.Mindfulness practices can aid in grounding.Collective stress affects our individual nervous systems.Setting media boundaries is essential for mental health.Healing involves understanding, not erasing the past.Your emotional responses are valid and make sense.Change is possible with support and patience.Chapters00:00 Understanding Anxiety Beyond Stress03:28 Tools for Managing Anxiety04:33 Collective Stress and Its Impact05:58 Resources for Healing and SupportWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. anxiety, trauma response, nervous system, emotional responses, mindfulness, grounding practices, collective stress, media boundaries, healing, mental health

Can something as simple as tea, slow movement, or tapping shift your nervous system?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco steps into the Healing Lab to test gentle, accessible tools for calming anxiety—Tai Chi, herbal tea, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping. She shares honest reflections on what felt grounding, what surprised her, and what truly helped regulate her nervous system.You’ll experience a guided tapping exercise, learn how ritual and movement can support emotional regulation, and hear why curiosity and self-acceptance might be the most powerful healing tools of all.👉 Click here for your free Gentle Grounding MenuKey TakeawaysHealing is personal and curiosity matters.EFT tapping is a standout tool for emotional regulation and anxiety.Tai Chi has real powerful grounding rituals.Herbal tea is a low-cost, accessible grounding tool.Curiosity is a powerful part of healing.Tapping on specific points can reduce stress.Research supports Tai Chi as a mind-body practice.The ritual of tea can act as a mindfulness practice.Self-acceptance is crucial in emotional healing.Finding the right class and mindset is important for Tai Chi.Chapters00:00 Exploring Healing Modalities for Anxiety03:11 Introduction to Tapping Exercise07:36 Introduction to Tapping Exercise13:18 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. anxiety, healing, Tai Chi, emotional freedom technique, herbal tea, mindfulness, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, tapping, grounding

What if you didn’t have to answer every anxious “what if” to feel safe?What if anxiety isn’t trying to predict the future, but pulling you out of the present?In this Therapy Is My Cardio episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco invites you to think about emotional fitness the same way you think about physical fitness. Anxiety, especially “what if” thinking, is treated here not as a flaw or failure, but as a habit that can be gently retrained.This episode focuses on awareness as the first rep. Jessica helps listeners notice when their minds drift into future-oriented worry and guides them back into the safety of the present moment. Through grounding exercises, breathwork, and compassionate reframes, she walks you through how to separate thoughts from actual threat and how to calm your nervous system without needing to “fix” yourself.You’ll practice a warm-up for mindfulness, learn how to respond differently to anxious thoughts, and move through a soothing cool-down that reinforces a powerful truth: you’ve handled hard things before, and you don’t need to solve the future to be okay right now.This episode is a reminder that presence is a skill, anxiety is trainable, and this moment—right here—is enough.👉 Click here for your free Gentle Grounding MenuKey TakeawaysAnxiety loves to ask, 'What if something goes wrong?'Future thinking is not a failure, it's a habit.I have handled hard things before.I can meet this one step at a time.This moment is enough.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Therapy as a Workout01:41 Understanding Anxiety and Future Thinking02:09 Grounding Techniques to Combat Anxiety03:29 Reframing Anxious Thoughts04:15 Cooling Down and Releasing Worries05:31 Preview of Upcoming Healing Tools06:11 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. anxiety, emotional fitness, mindfulness, grounding techniques, what if thinking, breathing exercises, self-compassion, healing, mental health, emotional core

Ever wonder why anxiety shows up even when “nothing is wrong”?Anxiety gets a bad reputation, but what if it’s not the enemy?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco invites you to take a softer, more compassionate look at anxiety, not as a flaw or something to “fix,” but as a natural nervous system response trying to keep you safe. Together, we explore the many ways anxiety can show up in your thoughts, body, and daily life, and why understanding it can open the door to more choice, ease, and self-trust.Jessica breaks down common anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD, shares how to recognize when anxiety may be interfering with your life, and offers practical, accessible tools to support regulation, without pressure or perfection. From CBT strategies and sleep support to self-care that actually calms the nervous system and mindfulness practices that bring you back to the present, this episode is about meeting anxiety with awareness instead of judgment.If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I like this?”—this conversation gently reframes the question to: “What does my nervous system need right now?”👉 Click here for your free Nervous System Year in Review printableKey TakeawaysAnxiety is a nervous system response, not a personal flaw.Understanding anxiety can provide more choices in how to respond.Common anxiety disorders include GAD, panic disorder, and OCD.Anxiety can manifest physically and emotionally.Recognizing when anxiety interferes with life is crucial for seeking help.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for managing anxiety.Improving sleep quality is essential for emotional regulation.Self-care should focus on regulation, not indulgence.Mindfulness practices can help ground individuals in the present.Healing involves awareness, compassion, and consistent choices.Chapters00:00 Understanding Anxiety: A Compassionate Approach01:40 Exploring Common Anxiety Disorders06:39 Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help07:58 Tools for Managing Anxiety08:28 Cognitive Behavioral Techniques10:15 Improving Sleep for Better Mental Health11:48 The Importance of Self-Care13:08 Practicing Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques15:04 Embracing Healing and Moving Forward16:17 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. anxiety, mental wellness, personal growth, coping strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, self-care, sleep hygiene, anxiety disorders, emotional regulation

As we step into a new year, the pressure to reset, improve, and “get it right” can quietly wake anxiety up. In this opening January episode of Healing Is My Hobby, licensed clinical social worker Jessica Colarco invites listeners to slow down and begin the year differently.Instead of diving into productivity or self-fixing energy, this episode offers a compassionate introduction to anxiety—what it is, how it shows up, and how we can build a more supportive relationship with it. January doesn’t have to be a clean slate or an intense overhaul. It can be a recalibration, a continuation, and a chance to choose intention over intensity.This episode sets the tone for the month of January, where we’ll gently explore anxiety in ways that feel human, accessible, and nervous-system informed—because healing doesn’t have to be heavy to be meaningful.Inside This EpisodeWhy January can feel activating rather than refreshingHow anxiety thrives on urgency, pressure, and self-doubtWhat anxiety is (and what it isn’t)The difference between fixing yourself and supporting yourselfHow to work with your nervous system instead of fighting itWhy the goal isn’t eliminating anxiety—but changing your relationship with itA gentle alternative to New Year’s resolutionsSimple, compassionate intentions to anchor you this monthA Gentle ReflectionInstead of asking, “What do I need to fix about myself this year?” Try asking: “What do I want to support in myself this year?”Choose one soft intention—not a resolution, not a transformation—just a steady anchor. Let that be enough.January Focus: AnxietyThroughout January, Healing Is My Hobby will explore anxiety with curiosity and compassion—looking at how it shows up in our bodies, thoughts, and behaviors, and how we can respond with more choice and kindness.Connect & Learn MorePodcast & Resources: healingismyhobby.comInstagram & YouTube: @healingismyhobbyClinical Practice: jessicacolarcolcsw.comInstagram: @jessicacolarcolcswThank you for being here. May this year feel less about proving something—and more about coming home to yourself.anxiety, managing anxiety, anxiety support, nervous system, mental wellness, self-compassion, new year anxiety, emotional regulation, gentle healing, mental health podcast

What if you ended the year without fixing, forcing, or reinventing yourself—just listening?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco invites you into a Nervous System Year in Review, a gentle reflection that looks back on the year through the wisdom of the body rather than productivity or achievement. Together, you’ll explore what your nervous system carried, what brought comfort, and what it’s asking for as you step into the new year—with compassion, curiosity, and care.Click here for your free Nervous System Year in Review printableKey TakeawaysHealing doesn't have to feel heavy or clinical.Reflect on what your body carried this year.You don't need to do this perfectly.Recognize what soothed your nervous system.Small moments of stillness can be healing.Our bodies are resilient and intuitive.Acknowledge what you held and healed.Your nervous system needs direction, not resolutions.Choose what feels grounding for the new year.Be gentle with yourself; you are doing well.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing and Reflection03:42 Reflecting on the Heavy Moments of 202507:04 Finding Comfort and Soothing Practices09:03 Surprises and Lessons from the Year10:12 Acknowledging Personal Growth and Pride12:48 Setting Intentions for 202614:31 Closing Reflections and GratitudeWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbymental wellness, personal growth, nervous system, reflection, self-awareness, emotional strength, healing, intentions, mindfulness, self-care

Have you ever opened social media feeling totally fine… and closed the app feeling off—but you can’t quite explain why?Maybe a post didn’t get the response you hoped for.Maybe you saw something that made you feel left out, behind, or suddenly not enough.In today’s episode of Healing Is My Hobby, we’re exploring why social media can hit so deep—and why those reactions might not be about the app at all. They might be old emotional wounds getting activated.We’ll talk about how feelings like abandonment, comparison, and the need for validation show up online, how they connect to trauma responses, and—most importantly—how to meet those moments with awareness, compassion, and tools that actually help your nervous system settle.This isn’t about quitting social media or shaming yourself for how you feel. It’s about understanding your reactions, separating your worth from likes and comments, and creating digital boundaries that support your emotional health.If you’ve ever thought, “Why did that affect me so much?”—this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysSocial media can trigger emotional responses linked to trauma.Feelings of abandonment can arise from social media interactions.Validation wounds can be triggered by poor post performance.Awareness is crucial for emotional regulation.Naming your emotional wounds can help dissolve shame.Reconnecting with your body aids in emotional regulation.Social media is curated and not the full truth.Reducing exposure during vulnerable moments is important.Likes and comments do not define your self-worth.Creating digital boundaries can support emotional health.Chapters00:00 Understanding Emotional Triggers in Social Media06:19 Navigating Trauma Responses and Regulation Techniques08:59 Practical Tools for Healthy Social Media Engagement09:32 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbysocial media, trauma response, emotional triggers, mental health, awareness, compassion, digital boundaries, emotional regulation, self-care, healing

What happens when you finally stop scrolling long enough to hear your own mind again?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica steps into the Healing Lab to share the surprising results of her four-day social media reset. What started as a simple break quickly revealed how deeply woven digital habits are into daily life—the impulse to check, the discomfort of stillness, and the quiet comparisons happening beneath the surface. Through intentional pauses and mindful detachment, Jessica discovered clarity, sharper focus, and a calmer nervous system. This experiment didn’t just change her screen time—it reshaped her relationship with herself, her time, and the world around her.Key TakeawaysI realized social media doesn't add nearly as much value to my life as I thought.The urge to check was intense, especially in the first two days.With fewer inputs, my thoughts had room to breathe.Emotional discomfort surfaced without the distraction of scrolling.I didn't realize how often I compare until the comparison withdrawal.Micro pauses helped disrupt my autopilot behavior.I feel more productive because my attention is sharper.This single shift has radically reduced any anxiety related to social media.A short pause is enough to break the cycle of compulsive checking.I'm having more ideas and feel more connected to my values.Chapters00:00 The Social Media Reset Experiment02:23 Unpacking Emotional Discomfort04:10 Finding Connection Beyond the Screen05:43 Lessons Learned from the Experiment06:35 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbydigital boundaries, emotional wellness, social media, mental health, self-care, emotional intelligence, intentionality, self-protection, healing, mindfulness

Is your phone draining your energy faster than it drains its battery?In a world where our screens pull at us from the moment we wake up, digital peace isn’t accidental — it’s something we build. In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica dives into the art of digital boundaries and why they’re essential for protecting your mental wellness. Through a warm-up, a strength series, and a soothing cool down, she guides you toward a more intentional, grounded relationship with social media. If your nervous system has been whispering enough, this episode is your invitation to listen.Key TakeawaysDigital boundaries are essential for protecting your peace.Awareness of emotional responses to social media is crucial.Setting limits on social media use can enhance self-regulation.Curating your social media feed is a form of mental hygiene.Taking breaks from social media can help recover from overstimulation.Practicing detachment from external validation is important.Boundaries should feel restorative, not restrictive.Emotional endurance is built through consistent practice of boundary-setting.Self-care for your digital life is as important as physical self-care.Reflection on boundaries can lead to greater emotional insight.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Boundaries01:50 Strength Training for Emotional Resilience04:26 Cool Down and Reflection06:07 Conclusion and Next Steps07:01 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbydigital boundaries, emotional wellness, social media, mental health, self-care, emotional intelligence, intentionality, self-protection, healing, mindfulness

How much is social media shaping your mood—and how much is it training your brain?In this episode of Healing is My Hobby, Jessica explores the intricate relationship between social media and mental wellness. She delves into the neuroscience behind scrolling, the impact of comparison culture, cognitive load, and the effects of algorithm-driven anxiety. The conversation highlights the emotional exhaustion caused by constant digital stimulation and offers practical strategies for mindful engagement with social media.Key TakeawaysSocial media significantly influences our emotional well-being.Dopamine release during scrolling creates a cycle of anticipation.Comparison culture can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame.Cognitive load from social media contributes to emotional exhaustion.Digital burnout is a real phenomenon affecting many users.Social media algorithms prioritize engagement over reality.Intense emotional content keeps users engaged longer.Overstimulation from social media can lead to anxiety and FOMO.Cognitive traps like perfectionism and external validation are common.Mindful practices can help mitigate the negative effects of social media.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Social Media and Mental Wellness01:06 The Neuroscience of Scrolling04:02 The Impact of Comparison Culture06:34 Cognitive Load and Decision Fatigue08:53 Algorithm Anxiety and Its Effects11:50 Cognitive Traps Activated by Social Media13:34 Healthy Reframes for Social Media Use16:09 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbysocial media, mental wellness, neuroscience, dopamine, comparison culture, cognitive load, burnout, algorithm anxiety, emotional exhaustion, mindfulness

What happens when burnout meets old perfectionism and people-pleasing?In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco explores the complexities of healing, particularly in relation to trauma responses and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between stress and trauma responses, and how these can impact the healing journey. Jessica provides practical strategies for self-compassion and healing, encouraging listeners to embrace a slower, more intentional approach to recovery. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming topics related to social media and mental wellness.Key TakeawaysHealing is a journey, not a race.Burnout can complicate the healing process.Understanding trauma responses is crucial for healing.Self-compassion is key in the healing journey.Micro rest practices can aid recovery.Your worth is not tied to your healing speed.Awareness of your reactions can foster healing.Burnout requires time and gentle care to heal.Social media can impact mental wellness significantly.Creating boundaries is essential for emotional health.Chapters00:00 Understanding Trauma Responses in Healing03:20 The Impact of Burnout on Healing06:46 Practical Tools for Healing and Self-Compassion08:50 NEWCHAPTERWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyhealing, trauma response, burnout, mental wellness, self-compassion, personal growth, coping strategies, nervous system, emotional health, recovery