If you've ever felt like showing up in your business is exhausting or wondered why something as 'simple' as posting on social media can leave you feeling wiped out - you are not alone. This week, for Mental Health Awareness Week, I'm joined by Dr. Bernadette Dancy, a stress management coach and nervous system educator, for a powerful conversation about how we can manage our stress more sustainably while continuing to show up with presence and purpose.

With over 15 years of experience studying the science and psychology of human potential, including a PhD in Sport Psychology, Bernadette brings a grounded, evidence-based approach to helping us understand our stress responses and build healthier ways of working.

We cover so much in this episode, including:

• Why stress isn't something to avoid - but something be aware of and to recover from

• Bernadette's powerful "stress bucket" analogy and how to spot when you're near the top

• The difference between a healthy stretch and nervous system dysregulation

• How to find your Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning and work in a way that feels right for you

• The role of somatic tools and breathwork in calming your system before visibility moments

• How to stay grounded when you're holding space for others

• Why your nervous system might be more activated than you think - and how to track it with awareness, not judgement

This conversation is full of wisdom, science-backed insights, and practical tools to help you show up with more self-awareness, sustainability and self-compassion.

Connect with Bernadette:

Instagram: @bernadettedancy_stresscoach @stress.eg.ig Websites: https://www.bernadettedancy.co.uk https://www.stress-ed.co.uk

Services Stress Assessment: https://stress-ed.co.uk/coaching/ 1-1 Coaching: https://stress-ed.co.uk/coaching/ CPD Training: https://stress-ed.co.uk/training/ Connect with Vicki:

Follow me on Instagram: @iamvickiknights Grab my free visibility guide: https://vickiknights.co.uk/visibility Website: https://vickiknights.co.uk

Ready to work together?

📸 Book a BRANDING SHOOT with me: https://vickiknights.co.uk/brand-photography-services - Join my Visibility Retreat waitlist: https://vickiknights.co.uk/retreat-waitlist - Join the waitlist for the next round of my group visibility mastermind, SEEN: https://vickiknights.co.uk/mastermind - Get my self-paced course, UNCOVER YOUR MAGIC: https://vickiknights.co.uk/magic (Use the code SHOWINGUP for 10% off)