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What if the secret to living with more joy isn't trying to eliminate stress, but transforming how your nervous system responds to it? In this illuminating conversation with yoga therapist and mindfulness coach Rachel, we explore the fascinating relationship between our brain's stress response and our ability to experience gratitude, optimism, and resilience.

Rachel explains how stress literally narrows our vision, making us see only what's wrong while missing what's right. When we're overwhelmed, our nervous system shifts into fight-flight-freeze mode, making it nearly impossible to access positive emotions or see creative solutions. But through simple mindfulness practices, we can train ourselves to maintain a broader perspective even when challenges arise.

The conversation reveals startling insights about our daily habits – like how checking your phone first thing in the morning floods your body with stress hormones before you've even had breakfast. Instead, Rachel suggests practicing "embodied gratitude," where you physically experience positive sensations in your body rather than just mentally listing things you're thankful for. This seemingly small shift activates your parasympathetic nervous system, creating a physiological state of calm that makes subsequent challenges more manageable.

We dive deep into how self-talk dramatically influences stress levels, with Rachel introducing the concept of "self-friendliness" – talking to yourself with the same supportive tone you'd use with a good friend. This internal dialogue isn't just psychological comfort; it creates measurable changes in how your body processes stress hormones.

For those seeking practical applications, Rachel shares a range of accessible practices, from facial relaxation techniques that signal safety to your brain, to mindful moments between work tasks, to "screenless Sundays" that create space for genuine restoration. The beauty of her approach lies in its simplicity – start with just one two-minute practice attached to something you already do daily, and build from there.

Ready to shift from surviving to thriving? Listen now to discover how small mindfulness practices can help you see life's full picture and reclaim your natural capacity for joy.

https://www.LifeIsDelicious.ca/bookshelf ( Happy Is Not An Accident)

Find Marnie Martin here:

Website : https://www.LifeIsDelicious.ca ( Podcast) and

https://www.MarnieMartin.com ( Voice Over )

Email: marnie@marniemartin.com

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Connect with Rachel:

Website : https://www.rachelposner.com

Nervous system regulation practice:

https://www.rachelposner.com/take-5-practice

7-day membership trial: https://yourbrainonmindfulness.rachelposner.com/your-yoga-a-virtual-community-member