In this episode, I explore why many self-care plans fail and how to fix them. I'll share tips on creating a personalized, comprehensive health plan that includes manageable steps and measurable outcomes.

We'll discuss the downfalls of the supplement industry, debunk myths about exercise, and emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose behind each health strategy. Join me as I share my insights and professional experiences to help you build an effective and sustainable health plan.

In this episode of the Move Nourished podcast, I discuss the common feeling of overwhelm many face when trying to start self-care habits. I provides strategic advice on beginning with small, manageable steps that still create meaningful changes, based on the principle known as the "zone of optimal difficulty." I’ll emphasize high ROI interventions like supplements and herbal formulas, which require less effort but offer significant benefits, to help build the capacity for tackling more challenging health changes. For more detailed guidance, check out CAPACITY, the quick-and-clean self care course for people who care deeply for the world.

Tension is an often misunderstood concept when it comes to our bodies.

In today's chat, we argue that tension, contrary to popular belief, is not all bad and plays a critical role in our movement and stability. First we must destigmatise tension and embrace the importance of strategic, functional tension. Our conversation then shifts to the potential negative impacts of tension when it becomes maladaptive. We explore concepts like allostasis, the sources of functional tension, and practical tips for managing and redistributing tension effectively. Stay tuned for the next episodes where we’ll delve deeper into holding patterns and the structural model of imbalance.

In this episode of the Move Nourish podcast, we delve into the topic of eco anxiety, exploring its various emotional states and critiquing how it's currently conceptualized in research. We emphasize the need for a more holistic and embodied approach and highlight the potential of these emotions to mobilize collective action against environmental destruction.

We discuss the metaphor of elements in understanding digestion, focusing this time on water and earth. We highlight the importance of hydration, mucosa, and tissue integrity, and discuss the role of umami-rich foods in maintaining gut health. We also touch upon 'leaky gut' syndrome, the benefits of collagen, and suggest dietary practices to improve digestion.

For support in healing from chronic conditions like leaky gut and autoimmunity, go here.

We delve into the vast topic of digestive health, illustrating the intricate relationship between digestion and holistic wellbeing. Using metaphors associated with elements of fire and air, the hosts explain the role of 'digestive fire', metabolism and motility in facilitating digestion. They mention how certain herbs enhance the digestive process by stimulating blood flow, secretion of digestive enzymes, and contribute to body movements necessary for digestion. The video ends with a prelude to the next episode discussing the elements of 'water' and 'earth' and their role in digestion.

We discuss the concept of 'Salutogenics'. Coined by researcher Aaron Antonovsky, Salutogenics explores health promoting practices carried out for their inherent worth, highlighting health as more than just the absence of disease. Alyssa and Forest delve into how understanding stress response and having the right resources can lead to advancements in health. They also touch on managing stressors through developing beneficial life habits and promoting health for the sake of wellbeing, moving away from the notion of 'fixing' health problems, but celebrating health promoting practices.

To learn more about how to get expert support on revamping your self-care practices and cultivating health for health's sake, go here.

We delve deep into the concept of stress and how we can understand it through our unique 'Baking the Cake' model. We discuss components of stress, breaking down our responses to it and the various elements like coping mechanisms, resources, the stressor itself, and recovery. We emphasize the importance of being *resourced* when it comes to stress management. Subscribe for upcoming episodes where we explore topics like allostasis and polyvagal theory!

In this episode, Alyssa and Forest continue their discussion on 'Grounded Generalism', promoting diversification of skills and knowledge for overall wellbeing. The two clinical herbalists and wellness enthusiasts explore how humans evolved as generalists, the balance between specialization and generalization, and the implications for health, diet, and movement. They underscore the value of being a 'Jack-of-all-trades, master of a few', in counteracting extreme specialization and over-reliance on fast-access information. They also stress the societal, emotional, and intellectual benefits of grounded generalism, bolstering resilience, adaptability, and emotional wellness.

Why it's often better to be a jack-of-all-trades than a niche expert (and why we need both!). Big takeaway: being a generalist gives you agency and access and empowers you to make better decisions about your health. 

Show Notes

Here's the book we mention in the episode (highly recommend!):

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein