Electric Ideas with Whitney Baker: Motherhood, Self-Connection, Joyful Living & Self-Care

Feng shui is an ancient manifesting method. It's energy work and it can help you align with your desires. Whether you are just now hearing about feng shui or you have been practicing it for years, all you need to do is set your intention, change your environment in a way that feels good to you, follow some of the principles and watch magic happen. Feng shui will help you love where you live and accomplish your goals. It helps you create a free flow of energy in your space, and as a result, you'll have more clarity, be more productive and attract prosperity.

In today's episode, I talk with Kristina Hollinger, a feng shui expert and author featured on HGTV Windy City Rehab. She also collaborates with the AstroTwins, astrologers of Elle Magazine.

Kristina shares with us ways to understand feng shui and the connection between our outer life and inner self. Taking a look at our homes, Kristina breaks down common places where clutter builds up and how this can be interpreted, as well as important areas to start with when introducing feng shui into your home and suggestions for creating a home environment that supports our brightest intentions.

I would love to know what aspects of feng shui you are considering implementing in your life and so would Kristina! Connect with us on Instagram @kristina.hollinger and @whitneywoman.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-Understanding and defining feng shui

-The connection between our outer life and inner self

-Common places where clutter builds up and how this can be interpreted

-A realistic timeline for setting "expectations" on feng shui

-The three types of energy

-Important areas in your home to start with when introducing feng shui into your home including a deeper dive into the bedroom, kitchen, and mirror placement

-Suggestions for creating a home environment that supports our brightest intentions

-Where you can get a free guide with three easy steps to apply feng shui

Connect with Kristina:

IG: @kristina.hollinger

Website: www.kristinahollinger.com

Connect with Whitney:

IG: @whitneywoman

You don't have to move to a deserted island to live life on your own terms. By simply looking at your existing, everyday life and gaining awareness of when your ego is taking the wheel, you'll begin to invite in a much broader sense of personal freedom.

Today I connect with Kelsey Greenwood, an integrative life coach who helps women create their own freedom by facing their deepest fears and learning to trust themselves. Her work involves harmonizing the mind and emotions, and working with clients to connect internally instead of looking outside themselves to live a more liberated life.

Kelsey models a life lived from the heart — open, free and truthful. She walks us through her own dark night of the soul and the mind-body practices that shifted her trajectory. We also discuss strategies for letting go of ego in order to step into a higher version of yourself.

Let Kelsey and I know what you connected with in this episode by tagging us on Instagram @kelseygreenwood and @whitneywoman.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-The mind-body connection that led to Kelsey's work

-What it means to be an integrative life coach

-The four systems of our whole body

-Tips for creating a sense of freedom and play and inviting this practice into your life

-Reacting vs. responding

-Ego - explained from a spiritual perspective

-Practices when trying to better understand and transcend the ego

-Techniques for journaling and somatic release

Connect with Kelsey Greenwood

IG: @kelseygreenwood

Website: https://wellwithkels.weebly.com/

Connect with Whitney

IG: @Whitneywoman

Summer is a season that invites in lots of play and childlike wonder. For many of us, it's an easier time to be outside and take advantage of simple pleasures like a picnic in the park, swimming or an ice cream cone with the kids. While it's good to cherish all the summer fun, it's also normal to slip out of balance when we detach from our typical routines.

In today's episode, I connect with master acupuncturist, herbalist, Chinese nutritional therapy practitioner and wellness coach Rachel Brumberger to get perspective on honoring our mind, body and spirit by checking in with our evolving needs seasonally. With a little awareness, we're able to be more intentional about staying balanced and well while also enjoying summer.

Rachel runs her own practice in Bethesda, Maryland and hosts UnscRxipted, a podcast focused on healing and wellbeing. She's also an adjunct and clinical faculty member at the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

I would love to know what resonated with you about this episode and so would Rachel! Connect with us on Instagram @reallyrachelb and @whitneywoman.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-Why it's so important to treat mind, body and spirit together

-A look at the intricate nature of how we come in and out of balance in our lives

-Practices for self-compassion as we experience new things

-Methods for reflecting and tuning into to your seasonal wellness needs

-Advice for times where you may be feeling conflicting emotions

-Shifting your expectations into intentions

-Using a wellness checklist to shift where we are and how we're feeling

Connect with Rachel Brumberger:

IG: @reallyrachelb

Website: Rachelbrumberger.com

Podcast: UnscRxipted

Connect with Whitney

IG: @whitneywoman

There are many benefits to cultivating a positive mindset, including reduced stress and better mental health. But did you know that positive thinking plays a major role when it comes to how well we age and even how long you live?

In todays' conversation, I connect with Dr. Catherine Sanderson to discuss her book, "The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health and Longevity." We explore the latest research on mindset and discuss how negative beliefs about aging can dampen your experience and even curtail your time on Earth. While adopting a positive mindset requires effort, Dr. Sanderson shares science-based strategies that can enhance your happiness and quality of life now, as well as boost your longevity.

Dr. Sanderson holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a specialization in health and development from Stanford, as well as both a master's and doctorate in psychology from Princeton. Her research has received grant funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-What inspired Dr. Sanderson to write her book

-The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset

-Why labeling your child as "smart" can cause them to have a fixed mindset, and what kind of compliments we can give to help foster a growth mindset

-Ways that we can nurture our growth mindset

-Shifting our mindset when it comes to stress and anxiety

-How mindset can impact longevity

-How negative thoughts about aging can impact us and how different cultures look at aging

-Why comparison is the thief of joy

-Ways we can invite more happiness into our lives

Connect with Catherine:

IG: @sandorsonspeaking

Twitter: @sandersonspeaks

Check out her book The Positive Shift

Connect with Whitney:

IG: @whitneywoman

While becoming a mother has many blessings, along with the hugs and cuddles comes an invisible workload that women disproportionately shoulder. Aside from the physical toll of childbearing, our mental and emotional health can suffer as we strive to keep our families, homes and careers afloat.

In today's episode, I talk with Kaitlin Soule, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her new book, "A Little Less of a Hot Mess: The Modern Mom's Guide to Growth and Evolution." Kaitlin specializes in women's mental health, motherhood and anxiety. She's on a mission to empower women with practical mental health guidance so they can step into their identity as mothers and so much more with increased awareness and compassion, and a healthy dose of humor.

Kaitlin shares the impact motherhood can have on our mental health, common roadblocks for women in their new role as a mother, the biggest gift we can give to our children and practical advice for the whole family to enjoy their time at events or in new places.

Let Kaitlin and I know what resonated with you from this episode by tagging us on Instagram @wellnotesforher and @whitneywoman.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-The invisible workload and how it impacts our mental health

-A look into the impact on our mental health that comes with becoming a mom

-Some of the biggest roadblocks for women in their new role as a mother

-Recognition of the balance between overplanning and going with the flow

-The biggest gift we can give to our children

-Hacks to be more present when spending time with your kids

-Practical advice for the whole family to enjoy their time in new places

Connect with Kaitlin:

IG: @wellnotesforher

Website: www.wellnotesforher.com

Grab your copy of "A Little Less of a Hot Mess: The Modern Mom's Guide to Growth and Evolution"

Podcast: A little Less of A Hot Mess: Off The Couch Conversation With A Therapist

Features: Motherly, Scary Mommy, The Washington Post, The Press Democrat, Fox/KTVU and more.

Connect with Whitney

IG: @Whitneywoman

It all comes down to one question: How can I look after myself better? In an effort to live your best life with optimal health and longevity, you can work to change your body, health and brain through biohacking, which is all about influencing your internal and external environment for health optimization. With biohacking, you can literally hack your biology and work on improving your performance, health, sleep, energy and overall well-being.

In today's episode, I connect with nutritionist and health & performance coach, Angela Foster. As a former partner in a large law firm, Angela is no stranger to the demands of long working hours and a high-pressure environment. Angela left the world of corporate law after a serious illness in 2014 and used integrative health practices and biohacking to rebuild her physical and mental health. Through her coaching programs and online membership, The Female Biohacker Collective, Angela's mission is to educate and inspire you to become the CEO of your health and live a vibrant, healthy and limitless life.

Angela shares with us the importance of biohacking, her framework to introduce healthy habits and behaviors and key principles for women. Connect with Angela to work through the S.H.I.F.T protocol at yourtotalhealthcheck.com and complete a free questionnaire to receive a personalized report.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-Biohacking explained

-Biohacking tips to explore on your own

-Angela's S.H.I.F.T. protocol - a framework to introduce healthy habits and behaviors

-The importance of strength training and how to maximize your efforts

-The link between inflammation and sleep

-Suggestions for your bedtime routine

-3 Key Principles for Women

-Intermittent fasting - what is it, how can it help, and when can it be used for optimized benefits

-Tech and data to drive our daily habits

Sleep Cycle app

Ōura ring

Whoop strap

See more of Angela's recommendations here

Connect with Angela Foster:

IG: @angelasfoster

FB group: Female Biohacker

Website: https://angelafosterperformance.com

Connect with Whitney

IG: @Whitneywoman

Maybe you've heard the saying: what we resist, persists. Many holistic health experts believe that, when we avoid or reject emotions, the energy of those emotions get stuck in the body and become contributing factors to long-term pain and even disease.

In today's episode, I connect with Dr. Patricia (Trish) Muehsam, a pioneer in the synthesis of science, holistic health and contemporary spirituality. We discuss her new book, Beyond Medicine: A Physician's Revolutionary Prescription for Achieving Absolute Health and Finding Inner Peace. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the mind-body connection to better understand the link between emotions and our physical bodies, and how thoughts and feelings can create either a state of ease or distress. We also learn how to cultivate a sense of peace and surrender to aid in our journey towards more absolute health.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-How Western medicine is limiting us in how we heal

-Dr. Muehsam's explanation of Absolute Health

-The link between our emotions and our physical bodies

-How suppressing our emotions can impact our bodies

-How some habits perceived as healthy can actually negatively impact our bodies

-Why we are not serving ourselves when it comes to food and multitasking

-The "guest house" metaphor to describe the notion of healing from the inside out

-Ways to use mirror work and mind-body sensing tools to help with anger

Connect with Dr. Muehsam:

IG: @drtrishmuehsam

Website

Get your copy of Beyond Medicine

Facebook Page

Twitter: @drtrishmd

Guest house poem

Connect with Whitney

IG: @Whitneywoman

We all know that, long ago, humans lived outside in a way that was much more connected to the land. Over time, we've evolved to spend most of our time indoors, usually connecting with screens much more throughout the day than nature. While this shift is taking a toll on our physical and mental health, you don't have to live in a mountain town or book a wilderness trip to reap most of the benefits of the outdoors.

In this episode, I connect with writer and environmentalist Emma Lowe on her mission to uncover the latest research on the healing potential of spending time in nature. We discuss her book, Return to Nature: The Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us. The book journeys through eight distinct landscapes and explores a mix of new scientific studies and ancient spiritual wisdom on the healing properties of reclaiming our relationship with nature. It also offers non-preachy solutions for building a more reciprocal connection with our environment.

Emma is an environmental journalist and senior sustainability editor at mindbodygreen. In addition to her recent book, she co-authored The Spirit Almanac.

Here's what to expect in this episode:

-The difference between wilderness and nature, and why that distinction is important

-Why it's so important for us to connect with the green spaces around us

-Why living in a city is no excuse for missing out on the benefits of nature

-The positive impact being outside can have on your mental health

-The argument between taking a break in nature vs. taking a passive break inside

-What green exercise is and its unique benefits

-How we engage and think about nature as we age

-Five- and 10-minute intentional practices you can do near the water, in the snow and in urban environments to better your mental health and connection

Connect with Emma:

IG: @emmaloewe

Website

Get a copy of Return to Nature: The Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us

Connect with Whitney:

IG: @whitneywoman

We all experience some level of anxiety at certain points in our lives, but for those with high-functioning anxiety, things can look a bit different. While they may seem completely put together on the outside, they are often overwhelmed on the inside and might feel as though they are always behind. While seeking professional help is recommended, it may not be feasible for everyone. So, it's important to be self-aware and recognize what needs to change, as well learn how to set appropriate boundaries that support improved mental health.

My conversation today is with Massy Bradberry, an entrepreneur and licensed therapist who specializes in high-functioning anxiety. She focuses on helping women break the never-ending cycle of not-enoughness and perfectionism so they can live their most authentic life, full of self-love and self-acceptance.

Massy shares with us what high-functioning anxiety can look like, tips on how to deal with anxiety and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-What is high-functioning anxiety and how it differs from what we perceive as anxiety

-Tools to help with anxiety

-What to do if you are struggling to set boundaries

-Why people feel guilty when they set boundaries and let go of them

-How to effectively plan for and take a mental health day

Connect with Massy:

IG: @therapywithmassy

Website

High-Functioning Anxiety Cheat Sheet

Connect with Whitney:

IG: @whitneywoman

Motherhood comes with many changes, including new demands on your time. For many moms, it's a time when our creative endeavors fall to the wayside as we make space for pureed food prep, another load of laundry and simply trying to keep our act together.

While becoming a caregiver can cause a huge sense of upheaval for those of us who write or are artists in any meaningful way, hope isn't lost. Maybe you lost your spark, your community or your rhythms. But it's never too late to reconnect with your creative callings.

Today's guest, Jackie Amsden is an indie author, mom of two, and the host of These Mums Write Podcast, where she helps busy moms achieve their writing goals and dreams. While we focus a lot on navigating the writing process as a mother, this conversation is relevant for any caregiver who feels isolated or discontent about her current creative process.

With a welcome sense of humor, she discusses how becoming a mom changed her writing process, dealing with resentment when your creative time is threatened and how to move past common excuses for nurturing your creativity.

Here's what to look forward to in today's episode:

-How the transition to motherhood changed her writing process

-Navigating the loneliness and guilt of wanting creative time as caregiver

-How to regain creativity after motherhood

-Making time to do the things that fuel you

-Bringing in humor to the writing process as a mom

-What you can do if you aren't sure what the write about

-Getting rid of the self-doubt

Connect with Jackie:

IG: @jackieamsden

These Mums Write Facebook Group

These Mums Write Podcast

Check out Save the Cat here

Connect with Whitney:

IG: @whitneywoman