Lael Petersen, LCSW, RYT

Many of us can relate to having long “to do” lists and many responsibilities. We struggle to find time for ourselves. Our self-care often looks like grabbing a coffee and a treat while running around town or drinking wine and numbing out with our screens at the end of the day. It feels like self-care and while it might be taking the edge off of our harried lives, it doesn’t help us be better in the long run. Listen and reflect how you can shift from spending on stuff to feel better to investing in being better.

We all have it—the voice inside our heads that tells us we aren't [blank] enough. The voice that runs a critical commentary on all that we do. That voice, aka negative self-talk, can be devastating. It keeps us from trying new things, trusting ourselves and others, and from experiencing joy and peace in our lives. But, we can learn to befriend that critical voice, and when we do, we free ourselves from being bossed around by it. We might even come to appreciate that voice and the wisdom it has to offer.

Detoxing for Normal People: What it is and why YOU would benefit. It’s not all about green juice and deprivation! In fact, a detox can be very nourishing and grounding. Learn why taking a time out from substances, media, and other toxic inputs allows your body and mind the opportunity to heal. You'll feel equipped and inspired to create your very own at-home detox.

Whether you realize it or not, your values influence your behavior. Identifying your core values helps clarify your priorities, make difficult decisions, sense whether your life is on track, and provide meaning to your life. Get your paper and pens and get ready to explore what makes you YOU.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others,” but with all the demands on our time and energy, how can we possibly make time to take care of ourselves? Or perhaps you think you are doing a pretty good job taking care of yourself, except honestly you’re still tired, stressed out and not having much fun. Listen to learn practical self-care strategies for the busy human and how when we prioritize ourselves, those around us benefit too.

f you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you are not alone. 70% of Americans are currently sleep deprived (getting less than 7 hours a night) leading to all kinds of health and immune issues. If you are sick, overweight, stressed, anxious or depressed, getting better sleep can help. How we live during the day determines how we sleep at night. Rewiring the nervous system requires patience. Lael shares the Ayurvedic perspective on sleep deprivation and shares practical strategies to help you begin to make progress toward better sleep today.

Lael talks about the common struggles of modern families and how family meetings can help. Learn the benefits of family meetings, how to codify your family values, and a simple plan for getting started. Lael addresses the challenges to successful family meetings such as how to engage reluctant family members or involve young children. Listen to learn how family meetings can help your family move from chaos to thrive.

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. We love the lights, food and festivities, but feel overwhelmed by the thought of all the work involved. Some of us feel resigned to the weight gain and fatigue that feel inevitable. For some of us, the holidays bring feelings of sadness or loss. Lael helps us envision the kind of holiday we want to have and provides practical self-care tips for thriving, not just surviving the holidays.

Lael discusses aging and healing the body and mind through the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda, including practical tips and habits to make changes now.