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In this riveting episode, Amy sits down with Ramona, a seasoned professional who transitioned from a registered nurse to a forensic psychologist. Ramona shares her wealth of experience from working in medical and psychiatric emergency departments and the California prison system, bringing unique insights into the mind-body connection and the intricacies of the stress response. **Key Topics Discussed:**

1. **Mind-Body Connection:** - Ramona explores how the nervous system and vagus nerve play critical roles in regulating stress and calming the body. - She explains the interconnectedness of the gut, heart, and brain and how the vagus nerve influences the gut microbiome.

2. **Trauma and the Nervous System:** - A deep dive into how the amygdala triggers response mechanisms during perceived life-threatening situations and the chemical reactions involved.

- Ramona discusses trauma's impact on both adults and children, emphasizing the challenges in diagnosing PTSD in children due to their unique perception of threats.

3. **Ancient Wisdom and Modern Therapy:** - The importance of rediscovering ancient wisdom in contemporary therapy practices. - Ramona's current focus on coaching individuals to build self-confidence after experiences with narcissistic relationships.

4. **Practical Strategies for Stress Management:** - Recognizing early signs of being overwhelmed and employing grounding techniques to reorient the mind and engage the prefrontal cortex. - Specific grounding techniques like stamping feet, clapping hands, and cognitive exercises such as multiplication tables. - Intentional deep breathing as a method to activate the prefrontal cortex and vagus nerve, signaling safety to the amygdala.

You can locate Ramona on Igniting U on Facebook.  And don't forget to check out my affiliate link for MAKING MONEY WITH FREEBIES.

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

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WE NEED YOU! 

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**Title: Avantika's Journey: Understanding and Managing Bipolar Disorder**
**Description:**
In this transformative episode of "Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama," Amy sits down with the inspirational Avantika to delve into her personal journey with mental health, specifically her diagnosis and management of bipolar disorder. Diagnosed at the tender age of 17, Avantika opens up about the initial shock, denial, and eventual acceptance of her condition.
Listeners will learn about:
- Avantika's family history with bipolar disorder and how it influenced her awareness and understanding of her own symptoms.
- The challenging but crucial process of finding the right psychiatrist and therapist.
- Avantika's comprehensive treatment regimen, including medication, therapy, mindfulness, and peer support.
- The pivotal role peer support groups have played in her mental health journey.
- Avantika's mental health organization, Beautiful You, and its mission to advocate for mental health through various platforms, including a podcast and recently published ebook.
Both Amy and Avantika share powerful advice for young individuals who may be noticing signs of bipolar disorder in themselves, emphasizing the importance of patience, education, and self-compassion.
Whether you're someone living with bipolar disorder, a caregiver, or simply someone interested in mental health advocacy, this episode offers invaluable insights and support. Tune in to hear Avantika’s inspiring story and her message of hope and resilience.
**Links:**
- **Avantika's Instagram:** @AvantikaB02
- **Beautiful You Instagram:** @[BeautifulYou](https://instagram.com/BeautifulYou)

📣 **Connect with Avantika:**
Follow Avantika on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/avantika.bo2 and explore more about her work and her organization, Beautiful You, which is dedicated to advocating for mental health through multiple mediums.  You can also listen to her show, Beautiful You Podcast on Spotify .  She also has a Link Tree you can check out.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation and remember that every step forward is a step towards better mental health. Keep on Advancing Warriors

P.S. If you've ever wondered how to make money with freebies, check out my affiliate link for a great deal on a course that shows you how to make that money.  Click here.

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

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WE NEED YOU! 

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Hey there, Mental Health Warriors! Welcome back to another episode of Advancing With Amy! This time, we have the fabulous Fatima Bey in the house, and let me tell you, this episode is a must-listen. Seriously, grab your favorite cozy drink, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

✨ Fear Not, Friends ✨

Fatima kicks things off by tackling one of the biggest roadblocks in our lives: fear. She dives deep into how fear impacts our relationships and holds us back from reaching our full potential. Trust me, once you overcome that fear, the sky's the limit! Believe me, Fatima has a personal journey of struggle with self-worth and confidence, peppered with divine guidance, that will inspire you to take the leap.

📚 Life Lessons Galore 📚

Fatima's strong and bold personality isn't just for show. She’s harnessed it to help people from all walks of life thrive. Her knack for reading people and knowing exactly when and how to help is something we should all aspire to. Need help finding balance in your life? Fatima’s got you covered. Extremes lead to imbalance, but when you find that sweet spot—oh boy, everything just works.

👩‍🏫 Teens to Adults—All Are Welcome! 👨‍🏫

Whether you’re a teenager trying to find your purpose or an adult seeking balance, Fatima’s coaching can work wonders for you. Her content is applicable across ages, and as Amy acknowledged, it's making a difference for her and her daughter. Fatima offers free 30-minute consultations (https://www.fatimabey.com/coaching) to see if she’s the right fit for you, focusing on real results rather than just making you feel comfy. Authenticity FTW!

🧠 Shift Your Mind, Shift Your Life 🧠

Mental health isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for a thriving life. Fatima’s keen on shifting thinking patterns to pave the way for success. She emphasizes the importance of mental health in every facet of life: work, relationships, and personal growth. Think of it as a mental tune-up that will have you running smoothly.

💡 Raw and Real Conversations 💡

Prepare yourself for some real talk. Fatima doesn’t shy away from diving into tough topics like child molestation and rape. She emphasizes the importance of having these uncomfortable conversations, especially with teens, and treating them with respect and honesty. Speaking of teens, she’s got an incredible story about a young girl named Janiah, who overcame severe struggles and now dreams of becoming a family lawyer. All thanks to Fatima’s transformative coaching!

👍 Join the Journey 👍

If you love what you’re hearing (and I’m sure you do), why not take the next step? Head over to Fatima’s website to book your free consultation. https://www.fatimabey.com/coaching  Whether you’re an adult or a teen, Fatima’s individualized methods could be the game-changer you’re looking for.

🎙️ Get Involved! 🎙️

Like, subscribe, and share this episode if it resonated with you! Got questions for Fatima or Amy? Reach out on our socials or leave a comment. We love hearing from our listeners and fostering this amazing community.  Fatima can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fatima.bey_/ , Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FatimaBeyTheMindShifter and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-bey-17014410/.  Amy can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/advancing_with_amy/, Facebookk at https://www.facebook.com/AdvancingwithAmy/ and LinkedIn at 

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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Hey Mental Health Warriors & Neurospicy Mamas!

If you just tuned in, that was an enlightening chat with Chloe Mascord, our somatic sexual therapist extraordinaire. Did she drop some serious wisdom or what?
But, don’t just be a passive listener; get interactive!

**Follow Us for More:** Don’t miss out on our weekly dose of mental health magic and empowering conversations. Follow us on Instagram @advancing_with_amy and listen to the podcast on any major platform under Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama. Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good scroll through some mental health positivity?

**Slide Into Our DMs:** Got a burning question or a topic you’re dying to hear about? Slide into our DMs! We're all ears (well, metaphorically speaking).

**Subscribe and Thrive:** Make sure to hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform. Never miss an episode, because every Thursday and Sunday we bring you new stories, insights, and tips that just might change your life—no exaggeration here!

**Get the Extra Goodies:** Remember Chloe mentioned her freebie? Go ahead and download it at [www.honey-ed.com/links](http://www.honey-ed.com/links). Trust us, your future self will thank you.

**Join the Tribe:** Want to join a community that gets you? Our Facebook group Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama is THE place to be. Come, share, and grow with like-minded warriors!

**Rate and Review:** Loved the episode? Of course, you did! Give us a quick rating and drop a review. Tell the world why “Advancing with Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama” deserves all the podcast love.

Alright, warriors, keep shining, keep thriving, and remember: your mental health matters!

Stay Awesome and Keep Advancing Warriors, 

Amy D. Taylor 🌟🌈💪
 

P.S. If you're interested in signing up for my newsletter, you can sign up on www.advancingwithamy.com and you can get a free self-discovery journal called WHO AM I, while you're at it.

Don't miss Chloe's free guide to reignite your libido in just 15 minutes a day!  You can find this on her website at http://www.honey-ed.com/ or go directly to the link at http://www.honey-ed.com/freebie.  Be sure to follow her on Instagram @thehoneyed.official.

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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**Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama**

**Episode Title: The Dream Decipherer: Shelia Balgobin**

**Show Notes:** In this captivating episode, Amy sits down with Sheila Balgobin, also known as the "dream decipherer," who has dedicated over 25 years to helping individuals understand the profound meaning behind their dreams. Sheila shares her fascinating family background, where a unique approach to dreams spans five generations, and her grandmother was known for her healing abilities.

Here are some of the highlights: -

**Family Background and Dream History:** Sheila delves into her family's different approaches to dreams and how these traditions influenced her modern-day interpretation of dreams. -

**Facilitation and Dream Resonance:** Sheila explains her role as a facilitator, emphasizing that the interpretation of a dream must resonate with the dreamer themselves for it to be meaningful. -

**Children and Spiritual Receptivity:** The conversation touches on why children are more receptive to dreams compared to adults, attributing this to their closer connection to the spiritual world and simpler perspectives on life. -

**Dreams and Trauma Recovery:** Sheila highlights a sleep study on dreaming and trauma recovery, showcasing how dreaming aids in healing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). -

**Impact of Sleep Deprivation:** The tangible effects of sleep deprivation on decision-making, especially for high-stress professionals like stockbrokers, are discussed.

Sheila also talks about the snowball effect of unresolved trauma. -

**Personal Dream Experiences:** Sheila shares a personal anecdote about recurring dreams of shipwrecks that led her to return to the UK, a decision that possibly saved her life during the 9/11 attacks. -

**The Brain's Nightly Tasks:** Sheila expounds on the brain's continuous work during sleep, such as memory consolidation and clearance of neural plaque, and how disturbances can lead to physiological and psychological problems. -

**Importance of a Full Sleep Cycle:** The critical importance of having a complete sleep cycle that includes dreams for both psychological and physical health is emphasized. -

**Dream Categories:** Sheila discusses the five general categories of dreams, including stress relief dreams and creativity dreams that have inspired significant inventions and innovations. -

**Dream Symbolism and Recording:** The significant value of recording dreams, even though most of a dream is forgotten quickly upon waking. She explains how analyzing dreams can offer insights into one’s life and emotions. -

**Scientific and Historical Significance:** The episode delves into the scientific backing and historical significance behind dream interpretation, touching on Carl Jung’s theories and the cultural importance of dreams. -

**Future of Dream Research:** Sheila and Amy explore the future of dream research and the potential ethical implications of manipulating dreams. -

**Practical Tips for Remembering Dreams:** Sheila gives two practical tips for remembering more of your dreams, encouraging listeners to engage with their subconscious mind.

**Call to Action:**

Check out Sheila's website at https://www.crackyourdreamcode.com for more information on her work. Don’t miss out on her valuable free downloads, including insightful courses, videos, and the opportunity to have a free consultation.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on your favorite platform. Share this episode with your friends to spread the knowledge and encourage a deeper understanding of dreams! --- Thank you for tuning in! Until next time, keep dreaming stay awesome and keep advancing warriors. 🌟

And be sure to check out my affiliate link f

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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Join us on our latest episode as we dive into the remarkable mind of Julianna Coughlin, a marathon runner, registered dietitian, and neurodiversity advocate! 🌟

Discover the incredible journey of a woman who has turned her ADHD and dyslexia into superpowers, leveraging technology and creative systems to balance her multifaceted life. From Tokyo marathons to Harry Potter-themed travels, Julianna’s experiences are both inspiring and educational.

In this episode, Julianna shares:

- Her methods for managing ADHD and anxiety

- The unique cultural nuances of Tokyo, including their advanced toilets!

- Insights into her work with individuals with developmental disabilities

- The importance of being vocal about neurodiversity in the workplace

- Her upcoming projects and love for the Grishaverse books

Don't miss out on Julianna's motivational message and her top tips for leading a balanced and fulfilling life despite the challenges.

Follow Julianna's journey on Instagram @jelly_runs and get a sneak peek into her creative tattoos and marathon adventures!

Check out the podcast she is a co-host on, Into the Fold. at https://pod.link/1569736679

#MentalHealthWarrior #NeurospicyMama #AdvancingWithAmy #Podcast #ADHD #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #TokyoMarathon #HarryPotter

And be sure to check out my affiliate link for some Here and Happy, Modern Mindfullness Meditations at https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147801938/MgcaNLDD

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama. In this episode, Amy sits down with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, positive discipline parent educator, and registered music together teacher.

---

**Episode Highlights:**

**Meet Samantha Foote**

*Samantha’s Education and Career*

- Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and a Master of Music with a specialization in music therapy from Colorado State University.
- She is a neurological music therapy fellow and a dialectical behavior therapy-informed music therapist.
- When she's not working, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and children.

*Life with Neurodivergent Children*

- Samantha shares the journey of raising three children, all diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
- She describes the challenges and triumphs of managing various therapies and medical appointments.
- Samantha recounts a particularly scary moment when her son had a seizure, leading to an epilepsy diagnosis, and discusses how medication has been a blessing.

*The Transformative Power of Music Therapy*

- Samantha explains what music therapy entails and provides examples of activities used to enhance cognitive skills and communication.
- She shares heartwarming stories about the progress of her non-speaking clients through music.

*Celebrating Neurodiversity*

- Samantha hosts a podcast called "Every Brain is Different," where she shares parenting strategies and resources for the neurodivergent community.
- The podcast aims to support both parents and individuals by discussing ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions.

---

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **Importance of Proper Diagnosis:**
   - Samantha emphasizes the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis to access essential resources and support for neurodivergent children.
   - She advises seeking specialist assessments rather than relying solely on pediatrician recommendations.

2. **The Katie Beckett Program:**
   - Samantha provides valuable information about the Katie Beckett program, which offers Medicaid benefits regardless of income for children with severe diagnoses.
   - She discusses additional waivers, such as Family Direct and Self Direct, which cover non-traditional therapies.

3. **Parenting Neurodivergent Children:**
   - Samantha shares her experiences and strategies for connecting with and supporting neurodivergent children.
   - She underscores the importance of understanding and responding to communication through behavior.

---

**Resources:**

- Listen to Samantha's podcast, "Every Brain is Different," on all major platforms.
- Visit Samantha’s website, (http://boisemusictherapycompany.com), for resources on obtaining a diagnosis, increasing parent-child connection, and understanding neurodivergent terminology.

---

**Final Thoughts:**

We hope you enjoyed this episode with Samantha Foote. Her insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for parents navigating the complexities of raising neurodivergent children. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama!

For more updates and episodes, follow us on facebook at .https://www.facebook.com/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-taylor-bsw-mental-health-warrior-and-neurospicy-mama-2023802b/ or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

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Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Amy and Linda explore the journey of grief, healing, and empowerment. This week, Linda Henderson joins the conversation to share her deeply personal and emotional story of losing her beloved daughter, Andrea, in a tragic car accident caused by a texting and driving transport truck driver.

**Key Takeaways:** - **Remembering Andrea:** Linda recounts her happy memories of Andrea—describing her as a loving, patient, and kind individual who loved horseback riding, baton twirling, helping others as a social worker and writer and her young son. -

**The Tragic Event:** The devastating accident on December 20, 2011, took the lives of Andrea and her coworker. Linda shares her initial shock, disbelief, and the profound grief that followed. -

**Coping with Grief:** The conversation highlights the societal expectations of "moving on" after a loss and the reality of enduring grief. Linda emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel, seeking support, and maintaining traditions to keep loved ones' memories alive. -

**Finding Purpose:** Linda discusses how she found new purpose by writing a book, "The Road of Love and Hope," which offers insights and advice on navigating the sorrow of losing a child and finding hope. - **Support and Community:** Linda underscores the significance of support systems, embracing emotions, and self-care. She shares her ongoing commitment to support bereaved parents and underprivileged children through her work.

**Special Traditions and Honors:** - Celebrating Andrea's birthday and decorating a purple Christmas tree in her memory. - Engaging with the community through her website and social media platforms to offer support and encouragement. **Final Thoughts:** - Linda believes in finding joy in cherished memories and embracing the present moments as sources of hope for the future.

### Call to Action: If you found this episode moving and insightful, please consider rating, sharing, and subscribing to our podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and provide the inspiration and hope they need. Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and resources on mental health and healing.

**Buy Linda Henderson's book, "The Road of Love & Hope: The Journey of Child Loss ** - https://amzn.to/45Bf8u1 (This is an affiliate link, meaning I might get a very small percentage but it will not cost you any more than usual.)

Thank you for listening, and remember, you're not alone on this journey. Together, we advance and thrive. Keep on Advancing Warriors.

P.S.  Check out my good friend Sage's BIG LIFE EDITOR BUNDLE which has 30 courses in it on every kind of topic.  It is only available once a year and it goes back in the vault at the end of June.  It normally costs $297 but she is offering it to Advancing With Amy listeners for a discounted $97.00.  It's a one time offer and goes away on June 30th.  Check it out at my affiliate link: https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147870142/MgcaNLDD.  And while you are on Sage's page, make sure to check out all her freebies as well!!!  I only recommend someone I would buy from and I do buy from Sage.  I actually hired her as my life and business coach!  She is AMAZING and her courses are THE BEST!  Check them out: https://sagegrayson.mykajabi.com/a/2147870142/MgcaNLDD

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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Send us Fan Mail

## Show Notes: Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama

### Episode Title: Exploring Breathwork to Tackle Stress and Boost Mental Health, with John Hall

**Host:** Amy  
**Guest:** John Hall

### Episode Highlights:

1. **Introduction to Belly Breathing**:
   - John Hall introduces the concept of belly breathing as a method to signal safety to the body, differentiating it from chest breathing used in dangerous situations.

2. **Breathing Exercise Demonstration**:
   - John demonstrates a calming breathing exercise: inhale through the nose for 5 seconds, then exhale through the mouth for 7 seconds. This helps tell the body it is safe.
   
3. **Influence of Physical Posture**:
   - Discussing the impact of physical posture on mindset, John cites studies showing how smiling or adopting power poses can improve decision-making and confidence levels.

4. **Incorporating Breath Techniques**:
   - John details his use of breath techniques with clients:
     - **Tactical Breath** for immediate stress relief.
     - **Strategic Breath** for regular practice to expand stress tolerance.
     - **Transformational Breath** to challenge and dissolve limiting beliefs.
   - He shares a personal story of using breath work to address his own limiting beliefs.

5. **Democratizing Breathwork**:
   - John aims to democratize breathwork, sharing its benefits with a wide audience, not just entrepreneurs and executives.

6. **Physiological Aspect of Stress**:
   - Stress is presented as a full somatic experience. The episode dives into how stress affects the body, and John introduces his BPM (breath physiology mindset) technique for redirecting stress responses.

7. **Understanding Stress Responses**:
   - John outlines the two types of stress responses (hyper arousal and hypo arousal) and specifies that they are suitable in particular situations.
   - He discusses a UK study showing that forcing a smile for ten minutes can be as effective as Prozac for clinical depression.

8. **Impact of Stress on Body Functions**:
   - High stress can shut down non-essential functions like digestion and advanced critical thinking. John explains how chronic stress can lead to distress and harm health.

9. **Types of Stress**:
   - The episode categorizes stress into neutral stress, healthy stress (Eustress), and unhealthy stress (distress).

10. **Utilizing Breath Work to Signal Safety**:
    - Breath work techniques are highlighted for their ability to signal safety to the brain via the vagus nerve, promoting calmness and lowering stress levels.

11. **Challenging Limiting Beliefs**:
    - John discusses the importance of examining and challenging limiting beliefs and the long-term health benefits of changing the way we breathe.

12. **Resources and Further Learning**:
    - John introduces his course "Breathe Easier" available on his website for more comprehensive information.
    - Visit [JohnHallCoaching.com](http://JohnHallCoaching.com) for contact, one-on-one sessions, and course details.

### Conclusion

- Amy appreciates the rich conversation with John and encourages listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to the show.

**Don’t miss this informative episode! Learn how simple breath work can transform your stress response and mental well-being.**

---Keep Advancing Warriors!

Amy

P.S.  Don't forget to check out my friend, Sage's, shop full of freebies and larger courses marked down until June 30th.  She is giving our listeners a 30 course deal that is usually $297 away for only $

Support the show

Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. 

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU! 

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: 

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Dive deep into the transformative journey of menopause with our special guest, the renowned sexpert Ann Bell, on this electrifying episode of Advancing With Amy. Ann brings her expertise in massage therapy and her focus on mental, emotional, and relationship health to the table, revealing the often unspoken challenges and triumphs of menopause. From personal health battles to advocating for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Ann sheds light on the importance of self-education and perseverance.

**Key Takeaways:**
- **Menopausal Challenges:** Hear Ann’s gripping recount of experiencing high cholesterol, diabetes, vertigo, frozen shoulder, and cognitive function changes.
- **The Power of HRT:** Discover how hormone replacement therapy can be a game-changer in managing menopausal symptoms and improving long-term health outcomes.
- **Sexual Health Insights:** Uncover why nurturing sexual health and making space for intimacy is crucial, even in the busiest of schedules.
- **Advocacy and Education:** Learn how Ann navigated medical resistance and why it's vital for women to advocate for themselves and seek specialized healthcare.

**🌟 Highlights in This Episode:**
- Resistance from doctors and the fight for proper information (Ann Bell faced resistance from a doctor who was unwilling to share studies or information with her)
- The modern menopause and debunking myths post the Women's Health Initiative study
- Addressing the stigma around menopause and the societal double standards impacting women's sexual health
- Comprehensive management of menopause: Beyond HRT – Exercise, sleep, stress reduction, nutrition, supplements
- Ann Bell's intuitive decision to pursue HRT and her journey through blood clotting disorders
- The profound effect of hormonal imbalances on sex lives and libido during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause

**🔗 Stay Connected:**
- **Visit Ann's Website:** For coaching and a wealth of resources, visit https://aconfidentialconversation.com
- **Subscribe & Share:** If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with friends and family! 🌟👭

**👏 Final Thoughts:**
Empower yourself with knowledge and don’t settle for less. If your doctor is dismissive, keep moving! There is help available, and solutions that can drastically improve the quality of your life during menopause. Explore every facet of managing this stage of life, because you deserve nothing but the best.

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Join us for this candid and empowering episode that lays out a road map for navigating menopause with grace and confidence. Don’t miss out!

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