blog
healing, not hacks
In my clinical practice, I get a lot of questions about trendy health topics making the rounds on tiktok and instagram. Some of these so-called hacks are fine ideas for the right person at the right time. But are they the right thing for you, today?
Why can’t I sleep?
Have you ever:
taken an accidental nap? (what time is it? AT NIGHT??)
gone to bed exhausted, but lay awake for an eternity, thinking about everything and nothing all at once?
gotten 8 hours of sleep but still felt so tired in the morning that you almost (or actually) left the house wearing two different shoes?
decided against a workout because you were just too tired to think about finding a clean sports bra?
raided your sugar stash to make it through an afternoon meeting?
f, all of the above?
Feeling better when you’re stressed
What does chronic emotional and psychological stress do to the body? Why are doctors always telling us to manage stress better? Is managing stress really that important to health and well-being? How do I even go about “stress relief”? What are some stress management tips? These are questions I hear all the time, and I’m going to dig in, so get a cup of herbal tea and settle in for a good read!
When our brain perceives a stressor, our body reacts. This is on purpose: the autonomic nervous system allows the body to respond when something requires us to react to protect ourselves.
How to get energized— and stay energized
Are you exhausted from anxiety? Exhausted when waking up? Exhausted from work? Exhausted from working out? Exhausted constantly for no reason at all? You're not alone. I hear this refrain from people every day. We. Are. Tired. Nurses are tired. Teachers are tired. And of course we are: we work hard, we care for others, we try to do everything and please everyone, and we're expected to show up and be productive with a smile no matter what's going on in our lives and in the world. It can be so hard to keep this in perspective and respond with kindness to ourselves. Looking for answers, lots of folks are willing to try anything they can find.
What’s the deal with inflammation?
The word inflammation comes from the Latin inflammo, meaning blaze or burn, and is defined in biology as "the immune system's response to stimulus." It's a complex biological process involving molecules, cells, blood vessels, the nervous system, and the microbiome. Inflammation is helpful in defending and healing the body from illness and injury, and in creating positive adaptations to stressors-- but sometimes it goes awry.
Why I don’t talk about weight loss
The health world is obsessed with weight. Medical providers talk about it. Health coaches talk about it A LOT. I don't. Here's why.
Common, but not normal
What you are experiencing is common (you're not weird, you're not alone!) but it isn't normal (it's not the way bodies function at their best and you're not necessarily stuck with it). Or: you're not broken, but we can work on getting you better.