Feeling Burned Out? Here’s How to Prioritize Your Mental Health and Reverse Mom BurnoutCategoriesSelf-Care & Wellness

Feeling Burned Out? Here’s How to Prioritize Your Mental Health and Reverse Mom Burnout

Here’s the thing about mom burnout—it’s relentless. Even though May is home to both Mother’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Month, that doesn’t mean moms (or burnout) get a break. From Spring Break to summer vacations, the planning, packing, and parenting never stop. Even the most exotic destinations can’t check mom burnout at the gate. […]

Calming the Vagus Nerve: 5 Unique Ways to Reduce Stress NaturallyCategoriesStress Management

Calming the Vagus Nerve: 5 Unique Ways to Reduce Stress Naturally

When people talk about “calming the vagus nerve,” they’re really referring to supporting the body’s natural relaxation response. As a key regulator of stress, digestion, and heart rate, the vagus nerve can become overworked by modern life, making it harder to unwind. The good news? Science-backed techniques can help restore balance and reduce stress naturally. […]

Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Work?CategoriesVagus Nerve Education

Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Work?

As a functional medicine practitioner, I’m always exploring innovative treatments to help my patients achieve optimal health. One tool that has gained significant attention in recent years, and that I’ve seen firsthand benefits from, is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). But does vagus nerve stimulation really work? Let’s take a closer look at the science, real-world […]

Exercise for Vagus Nerve StimulationCategoriesVagus Nerve Education

Exercise for Vagus Nerve Stimulation: More than Just Fitness Gains

When we think about the benefits of exercise, we often focus on the big wins: lowering A1C levels, crushing our personal best 10K time, making new friends on the pickleball court, or swapping bad habits for healthier ones.  But there’s one powerful benefit that often gets overlooked—exercise for vagus nerve stimulation. And it’s a big […]

Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn? A Guide to Understanding & Managing Stress ResponsesCategoriesStress Management

Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn? A Guide to Understanding & Managing Stress Responses

The fight-or-flight response has been hardwired into us since the dawn of humanity—a survival mechanism that once helped our ancestors face life-threatening dangers, like cave bears or rival tribes. Today, while you’re unlikely to encounter predators on your morning commute, your body responds to modern stressors—like workplace conflicts or even the relentless buzz of your […]

Can Stress Cause Vagus Nerve Dysfunction? Understanding the Types of Stress and How to Address ThemCategoriesVagus Nerve Education

Can Stress Cause Vagus Nerve Dysfunction? Understanding the Types of Stress and How to Address Them

As a functional medicine practitioner, I’ve witnessed time and again how deeply stress can affect our health—often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. At the center of this stress-response cycle lies the vagus nerve, a vital part of our nervous system that plays a key role in regulating essential functions like heart rate, digestion, mood, […]

attitude of gratitudeCategoriesMind-Body Health

The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Happiness Through Simple Daily Practices

“Attitude of gratitude.” It’s fun to say, right? Now try it three times, just like you would summon “Beetlejuice.” “Attitude of gratitude. Attitude of gratitude. Attitude of gratitude.” But what does it actually mean — and how can it help you feel happier while boosting your overall well-being — and even your health? [1] For […]