353: Connect with Your True Self: The Missing Piece in the Nervous System Conversation | Dr. Melissa Sonners
Ancient Health Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Dr. Melissa Sonners decide to reset her nervous system and what triggered this decision?
Dr. Melissa Sonners decided to reset her nervous system after she experienced a sudden and severe anxiety attack while tucking her children into bed. She felt like her body was under attack and couldn’t calm down, which led her to realize she was burnt out and needed to make significant changes in her life.
What changes did Dr. Melissa Sonners make to her morning routine to reset her nervous system?
She changed her morning routine by listening to her body's needs rather than immediately jumping into a 'power hour' of emails and heavy workouts. She started with 10 minutes of quiet time to check in with herself, which helped her feel more connected and grounded.
Why is it important to have margin in our lives, especially for women?
Having margin in our lives is crucial because it allows us to handle unexpected challenges and exposures, such as illness or stress, without reaching a breaking point. It's about building in downtime and self-care, which is often overlooked in busy, structured lives.
What is the 'Self-With Challenge' and how can it help women?
The 'Self-With Challenge' is a 31-day challenge where women take 10 minutes each morning to connect with themselves and prioritize their well-being. It helps women stop seeing self-time as selfish and start building a routine that supports their emotional and physical health.
How does Dr. Melissa Sonners incorporate play into her life, and why is it important?
Dr. Melissa Sonners went back to gymnastics at 42, a sport she loved as a child. Play and engaging in new activities help rebalance the nervous system, create new neural connections, and bring a sense of joy and presence. It's a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience.
What is the Connection Code and how can it be used to reset and connect with oneself?
The Connection Code is a resource that helps women discover five categories of connection: heart, body, mind, spirit, and divinity. It provides a printable PDF and guided video to figure out what works best for them in these areas, allowing them to quickly reset and feel better in moments of stress or chaos.
Why is community and investment in relationships important for women's health and well-being?
Community and investment in relationships are vital because they provide support and accountability. When women feel connected and supported, they are better equipped to handle life's challenges and can advocate for themselves and others. Isolation can lead to burnout and mental health issues.
How can books and reading help in resetting the nervous system and finding connection?
Books and reading can help by providing a structured yet flexible way to take a break from the constant stimulation of digital media. The eye movements involved in reading balance the brain, and engaging with meaningful content can help women reconnect with themselves and others. Dr. Sonners runs a book club that offers monthly transformative nonfiction.
What is the long-term impact of prioritizing self-care and play in one’s daily routine?
Prioritizing self-care and play can lead to improved emotional and physical health, increased creativity, and a stronger sense of self. It helps in building resilience and creating a more balanced and fulfilling life, which positively impacts relationships and overall well-being.
Why is it important to revisit childhood passions as adults?
Revisiting childhood passions can reignite joy and creativity, which are often suppressed in adult life. It helps in connecting with one’s true self and can inspire others to do the same. For Dr. Sonners, it meant getting back into gymnastics, which transformed her physically and mentally.
- Burnout can happen even to those who prioritize health
- Lack of margin in daily life leads to depleted immune systems
- Proactive lifestyle changes are crucial to prevent burnout
Shownotes Transcript