When we explore female physiology and feminine energy, we are always confronted with how stress plays a role in both of these complex systems. We are often told that we must reduce our stress, but there may be more to it than that. 

Today, I speak with Jenna Hamm, an integrative trauma therapist who is doing amazing work through Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Nervous System Regulation. Her work is unique because she is shifting the perspective from reducing stress to how to become more resilient through our exposure to stress.

A lot of the work we need to do in response to internal and external stressors relies heavily on listening to the messages that our bodies are sending us. Often, when we are faced with symptoms or up-regulated responses to stimuli, it is because we have not addressed an underlying pain within us. 

Sometimes these responses to stressors in our environment are our brain’s way of creating safety. The trouble is that we are constantly seeking external saviors and remedies to our problems, and we aren’t taking the time to discover the underlying message our body is trying to tell us. 

Jenna is an amazing guest who discusses ways to mobilize stuck stress, get the true rest our bodies need, and become more resilient in the face of stress. I know you’re going to love this episode. Tune in today to dive deeper into these concepts and how they awaken our feminine radiance!

In this episode:

[00:03:18] Jenna shares her story.
00:06:21] Jenna discusses the overuse of cognitive abilities and the prefrontal cortex and how it can lead to more dysregulation in our nervous systems. 
[00:11:41] The common misconceptions about the connection between stress and nourishment. 
[00:15:14] We have to listen to our bodies to find the pain at the bottom of our symptoms. 
[00:18:58] Instead of being victims of stress and seeking an external savior, we must take personal responsibility for facing the root of our stress.
[00:24:09] Our ability to be resilient to stress is similar to a muscle that needs to be exercised. 
[00:29:19] Jenna shares some tools and techniques that can be helpful in nervous system regulation for those who have been avoiding stress for so long. 
[00:36:17] There is a fine line between introspection, being hyper-attuned to one's internal world, and being less connected to the outside world. 
[00:40:17] We often misunderstand the concept of creating a safe environment for ourselves.
[00:43:52] What it truly means to surrender to the body’s response to stress.  
[00:55:45] What is fake rest, and how can we get the real rest we need? 
[01:00:05] Where can you connect with Jenna and her work?

Connect with Jenna:

Felt Sense Psychotherapy - jennahamm.com/start-here
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/feltsensewpg/?hl=en

Connect with Jessica:

Have Sunday tea with me! Sign-up for my Sunday newsletter where I share what’s on my brain from the nutritional to spiritual: https://www.jessicaashwellness.com/email-subscribe.

Join the Fully Nourished community! Follow me @jessicaashwellness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaashwellness/