The Happy Nervous System

Is having a “work-life balance” possible? What does it even mean? In this episode, I debunk what this phrase means and share what we should really be focusing on- having a nervous system balance. I share some questions to ask yourself about areas in your life that may be draining your nervous system battery and how to make changes in your life that will lead to a happier nervous system (and more balance!) 

Cooldowns are not just for working out! Anytime our body goes through stress, it’s very important we provide it with a “cool down” so that it can return to a state of safety. If we do not have a conscious practice of helping our body feel safe after an activating activity (a party, a talk, a spin class) our brain will remember that event as threatening and we will lose motivation to repeat it in the future. Our Instagram name has changed! Give us a follow @happynervoussystem 

In today’s episode, I interview Zach Campa who is a certified breathwork and meditation facilitator. Zach brings a very interesting science-based approach to healing and shares great tips on how to incorporate more purposeful breathing into your life. We discuss why it’s important to be conscious, how to do inner work, and how to show up as a conscious, accountable romantic partner. Get ready to learn about your nervous system and attract your dream life!Zach can be found at:Instagram: @breathewithzachFacebook: Zach Campa (Add him to join his Facebook group for free meditations!) 

Dr. Brittney Ellers is a holistic women’s healthcare specialist and has a very unique background and specialized training in women’s health. She is a holistic pelvic physical therapist, yoga teacher, women’s health educator, thought leader and visionary advocate. She centers accessible education and open, honest conversation for more purposeful and embodied living for every human being. In today’s episode, we cover period health, birth control, cycle syncing, and how to have embodied sex! Brittney is a pioneer in women’s healthcare as she teaches the very important topics of body literacy. We cover pelvic floor therapy, why it matters, and how to get in touch with yourself, your body, and your pelvis. We also dive into pleasureful sex, the importance of chakra energy, trauma, and how bodywork is backed by science. Brittney can be found at: Instagram: @b.ellersWebsite: www.wearebeingbetter.com

It’s no secret that living a healthy lifestyle is incredibely important. Thanks to modern science we are learning new hacks and habits every single day that can add years to our lives and help our physical health greatly improve. But is there a cost to “healthy living?” In this episode, I discuss the importance of the social engagement system and why we should be careful not to set healthy habits or biohacking as a higher priority than relationships. If you are into optimizing your mental and physical health, this episode is for you! 

Today we have a Men’s health expert on the show to share his knowledge on the male body. Dr. Houman is an expert on many topics including vasectomy reversals, sperm retrievals, penile implants, and male incontinence. We talk about the important role of testosterone, what it does in the body, and signs that your testosterone is out of balance. Dr. Houman leaves the listeners with a few lifestyle tips on how to maintain healthy hormone levels as you age.Dr. Houman can be found at the following links: Instagram: Justin.Houman.MDTwitter: @JustinHoumanMDYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jhoumanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAMensHealth/TikTok: @justin.houman.md

I am a firm believer that physical health is mental health. When we listen to the physical symptoms and sensations of our body it directly improves and affects our mental well-being! In today’s episode I walk through a short practice you can do at home to help improve your interoceptive awareness (or your ability to notice sensation from the inside of your body.) Validating our own symptoms and listening to their wisdom is very important and I share a few studies that back this up. Enjoy! 

Professionals and experts are important. But when they give us advice or an opinion that simply doesn’t work for our body.. Progress is the last thing we will make! In this episode, I review some surprising research on the human body and how to make sure you are working with your body and not against it. At the end of the episode, I provide three strategies you can implement before working with a professional to make sure you take the advice that works for you and leave the rest behind.  

 Happy New Year from the Happy Nervous System team! This episode was created to give you a boost into this new year. I provide you with a very simple yet profound technique you can practice that will help you regulate your nervous system and reduce your need to control people and outcomes in your life. Happy nervous system, happy life! 

Do you ever wonder if you are addicted to checking your phone? It's frightening to think how the brain becomes powerfully conditioned to scroll social media or check our inbox (especially when our body is craving rest!) If you are ready to slow down and be intentional this holiday season I welcome you to this mini-challenge that will help boost interoceptive awarness and leave you feeling more peace and presence.  

In today’s episode we are joined by Rachel Thomasian who brings her unique parenting wisdom that comes from being  a mother, therapist, and a business owner. We discuss the power of the apology, why she chooses to practice apologizing as a parent, and why it's an incredibly rewarding habit! Rachel shares about other parenting topics including how to repair after conflict with your child and why self-care is essential for your mental health. Rachel is the owner of Playa Vista Counseling and can be contacted at the link below. https://www.playavistacounseling.comIf you are a therapist be sure to check out ShrinkSync. An incredible new app making life WAY easier for therapists to connect, learn, and refer. It is available through the App Store and online at https://www.shrinksync.com

In today’s episode eating disorder specialist Mia Raymond shares with us how to identify and better understand eating disorders and disordered eating. Mia has 14 years of experience in the field and has helped many people heal their relationship with food and their body. We discuss topics including fatphobia, how to improve body image, and how to raise children to love all shapes and body sizes. Enjoy! Mia's Instagram: @unchartedhealing.mia  Mia's Website: https://www.unchartedhealingwithmia.comAdditional Notes from Mia: -Binge Eating Disorder is 3x more common than Bulimia and Anorexia combined. -The prevalence of “atypical” anorexia nervosa (those that don’t meet weight requirements for “traditional” anorexia) by age 20 years is 28% (vs < 1% for anorexia nervosa). Take away: Think about your behaviors and relationship with food and movement when assessing if you may be struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. Body size doesn’t reflect if somebody does or doesn’t have any eating disorder.Resources:-Primary Care Physicians that understand Eating Disorders in Los Angeles: Dr. Stephanie Bui and Dr. Leslie Kaplan. I know this list should be longer!-Influencers you need to follow right now:@BodyImagewithBri@YrFatFriend@RagenChastain@AaronFloresRDN

 In today’s episode I walk you through an important question to ask yourself to improve your mental health and your quality of life. I am a firm believer that our satisfaction in life is directly tied to the quality of the questions we ask ourselves! If you have a few minutes to reflect and journal today, this episode is for you! 

In today's episode I continue the conversation around spanking and why it is not an effective form of discipline. I review specific strategies based on relational neuroscience to replace traditional discipline strategies and methods. Sprinkled in with some real-life examples, this episode is all about taking action. Enjoy! 

Today I have a very special guest on the podcast, my mom Dr. Mona Delahooke! This is our first public collaboration and we tackle the controversial topic of spanking. We discuss why spanking doesn’t work and why fear-based discipline is an ineffective way to teach your children right from wrong. We discuss the latest and greatest parenting approaches that include the important work of Stephen Porges, Lisa Feldmen Barrett, and Tina Bryson. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with loved ones and help us spread awareness of healthy, supportive, and loving discipline! 

What do you think of when you hear the word pleasure? Does it register as a dirty word? Do you seek pleasure in private? Do you talk about pleasure with others? In this episode, I will convince you why pleasure is not just a luxury AND why it is not a dirty word. Allowing pleasure into your life is part of a healthy nervous system and can effectively shift our nervous system from a state of threat to a state of safety. If you struggle with chronic stress or anxiety, I provide several strategies (at the end of the episode) to easily implement more pleasure into your life. Enjoy! 

Today’s guest is a men’s mental health specialist that shares about the unique ways men tend to process feelings. Doron discusses why men struggle with perfectionism, the best way to support men emotionally, and ideas for how to raise boys in an emotionally healthy way. You can find Doron on instagram @doronwillis Enjoy! 

In today’s episode, I define body image and why it has very little to do with the way that you look and all to do with the way you FEEL. I review specific strategies on how to improve your body image and accept yourself as you are. If you struggle with weight challenges, negative body image, eating disorders, or weight loss, this episode is for you. It’s time to give your nervous system a break by leaning into the activities and habits that bring you joy and help you achieve internal freedom. 

Parenting is TOUGH. As a therapist and parent educator is my goal to debunk myths to help make parenting easier and more enjoyable. Today I break down a few common parenting myths to help you better understand your child and how to respond to them from a place of love and connection instead of reacting to them from a place of fear and anger. Head to Royawellness.com for more information about this episode and to recommend topics for future episodes! 

In today’s episode, I interview fitness expert Dr. Shannon Ritchey. She has helped many people transform their relationship with exercise and reduce the pain and fatigue they experience in their bodies and joints. We talk about why the nervous system is a key player in movement and exercise, why gentle exercise is important for longevity, and how you can begin to make changes in your movement routine that will help you sustain a happier nervous system.  Enjoy!