Start with Small Steps

265: The Power of Pretending: How Psychological Halloweenism Can Improve Your Life

In this episode, we explore a fascinating and unexpected idea: pretending your way into better choices. It might sound counterintuitive, especially in a culture that champions authenticity. But what if tapping into a different persona, even temporarily, could make you braver, healthier, and more productive? Welcome to the concept of psychological Halloweenism—the practice of stepping outside your own identity to access traits you need in the moment.

Inspired by a quote from Jim Henson—“Life’s like a movie. Write your own ending. Keep believing. Keep pretending.”—this episode dives into how adopting a different mindset or character can push us toward growth and better decision-making.

Top Topics in This Episode

1. The Science of Pretending and the Brain's Role

Pretending isn’t about being fake—it’s about gaining perspective. When we imagine how someone else would approach a problem, the brain pulls from our own experiences and merges them with that imagined personality. This creates mental distance from our usual behavior patterns, helping us think and act in new, more productive ways.

2. Lessons from Childhood: Halloween and Beyond

Kids know this intuitively—put on a superhero costume and suddenly they’re bold and unstoppable. That confidence boost doesn’t have to be limited to childhood. Adults can benefit from stepping into different roles too, whether it’s through visualization, intentional behavior changes, or playful role-play.

3. Psychological Halloweenism in Action

We look at a 2016 study that showed how pretending to be someone else—like a narrow-minded librarian or a creative poet—helped people think more creatively. The specific persona didn’t matter; what mattered was getting outside their default mindset.

4. Real-Life Role Models and Borrowed Traits

From imagining a friend who’s super organized to channeling a bold, assertive personality in tough situations, you’ll hear practical stories about using alter egos to face challenges. Whether it’s Grocery Shopping Jill, a fictional rule-setter who keeps spending in check, or a fitness-minded adventurer friend, these personas offer clarity and motivation.

5. Power Poses and the Missed Message

We revisit the infamous “power pose” concept, not as a failed body language trick, but as an example of missing the point. It wasn’t the pose that created confidence—it was the story and persona behind it that mattered. Without imagination and internal narrative, the magic falls flat.

6. Odysseus and Rule-Based Self-Control

Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the episode illustrates how we can create systems to protect ourselves from our own impulses. Just as Odysseus tied himself to the mast to resist the sirens, we can adopt personas that follow pre-set rules to avoid self-sabotage.

Key Takeaways

Sometimes, we need to borrow courage, discipline, or creativity. Pretending to be someone who already has the traits we lack in the moment can help us overcome inertia, make better choices, and reach our goals. This doesn’t fracture your identity—it builds a bridge to the person you want to become. Whether it's Grocery Shopping Jill, a fearless adventurer, or a highly organized roommate, those alter egos can be powerful guides.

Using psychological Halloweenism gives us a break from self-judgment, allowing action and growth where there might otherwise be resistance. Pretending, far from being fake, can be one of the most authentic steps toward change. So the next time you're stuck, ask: Who would handle this better? Then, pretend you’re them—just long enough to take the next right step.

This episode is your invitation to explore what it means to grow through imagination and intentional identity-shifting. Who might you become—if only for a moment—to move forward in your life?

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Getting to Yes with Yourself: The Art of Inner Negotiation

In this episode, we explore one of the most underrated yet powerful skills in personal growth: learning how to negotiate with yourself. Drawing inspiration from William Ury’s book Getting to Yes with Yourself, we unpack the internal barriers that often sabotage our goals—not external resistance, but the silent friction within. Whether it’s sticking to a health plan, changing careers, or taking time off, the hardest “yes” to get is often from ourselves.

This episode offers practical insights into self-awareness, emotional honesty, and the tools of effective internal dialogue. It's about learning to listen to your true needs, treating yourself with empathy, and crafting realistic solutions when life doesn’t go as planned.

Top Topics Covered:

1. The Hardest Person to Convince is You

We often think the struggle lies in convincing others—our boss, our family, or our friends—but in truth, the biggest obstacle is internal. This episode opens with the reminder that we must first believe in our decisions before we can pursue meaningful change. The first "yes" must always come from within.

2. Understanding BATNA: Your Backup Plan

A key negotiation concept, BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), is explored through a personal lens. If your original plan—like taking an expensive vacation—falls through, what’s your alternative? Maybe it’s a cozy weekend in the woods. We discuss how to turn a “not now” into a satisfying “instead.”

3. Listening to What You Really Need

What looks like a luxury car might actually be about needing safety. What sounds like a dream vacation might just be a cry for rest. By taking a step back—or going “to the balcony” as Ury calls it—we can see the deeper emotional drivers behind our surface-level goals.

4. Facing Old Fears and Updating Them

Much of our resistance to change comes from outdated fears. We dive into how these past experiences show up in new contexts, often holding us back. The goal isn’t to dismiss the fear but to acknowledge it, understand its origin, and gently update it based on current reality.

5. From WATNA to Minimum Viable Progress

The episode also introduces WATNA (Worst Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and how to redefine “failure.” Sometimes, the smallest action—like a 10-minute workout—is still a win if it keeps you moving. It’s about flexibility, compassion, and defining the bare minimum you can accept without giving up.

Key Takeaways:

Negotiating with yourself isn’t about tricking yourself into doing hard things—it’s about respect. Real change doesn’t come from bullying yourself into action but from having honest, thoughtful conversations with your inner self. You’ll learn that getting a “yes” from yourself starts by recognizing your true needs, challenging outdated beliefs, and being flexible enough to find the next best solution.

This episode will inspire you to rethink how you make decisions and how to create a path forward even when the ideal solution isn’t possible. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress that sticks. Whether you're trying to improve your health, make a big life shift, or simply feel less stuck, the art of internal negotiation might just be your most valuable tool.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

In this episode of Start With Small Steps, we explore why so many New Year’s resolutions fall apart just weeks into January—and how to make lasting changes instead. This isn’t about motivation hacks or dramatic transformations. It’s about starting where you are and making your goals achievable every day, even on your worst days. We’ll break down why giant goals often fail and how shrinking the entry point can lead to real, sustainable progress. Whether you’re hoping to get healthier, become more consistent with prayer or writing, or simply want a better routine, this episode provides practical advice to help you build habits that last.

Top Topics:

Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Fail

We begin by recognizing the common trap of high-intensity resolutions—new planners, intense workouts, strict diets—that often fizzle out by mid-January. This failure isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline. It’s usually about starting too big, too fast, without any on-ramp or plan for consistency.

The Power of Starting Small

Small steps aren’t about lowering your standards—they’re about making your goals actually doable. Whether it’s reading one page a day, putting on workout clothes without requiring yourself to exercise, or eating one extra vegetable, these steps reduce friction and bypass resistance. Your brain doesn’t fight small goals.

Consistency Over Perfection

The core habit matters more than performance. Instead of tracking everything or aiming for high metrics, the focus should be on doing something most days—even if it’s small. This creates momentum and makes it easier to jump back in after setbacks.

How to Design Sustainable Habits

You’ll learn three practical rules: 1) Start from where you are now. 2) Shrink your habit until it fits your worst day. 3) Separate the habit of practice from perfect performance. It’s not about running fast—it’s about running consistently and learning what works for you.

Making It Work for Your Personality

Different people succeed in different ways. For some, writing goals in a journal is powerful. For others, like Jill, visual cues like post-it notes or image boards throughout the house are more effective. The goal is to find what works best for you—and stick with it.

Key Takeaways:

Start with one or two areas that would make the biggest difference in your life and build around that. Don’t try to fix everything at once. A single paragraph, one prayer, a quick walk, or five minutes of effort can grow into meaningful transformation over time. The real secret? Create habits so small and easy that you’ll do them even on your worst days.

Focus less on the impressive and more on the consistent. You don’t need a perfect plan or a fancy setup—just a realistic, manageable action you’re willing to repeat. Start today, start small, and keep going.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Episode 262 – How to Stop Blowing Things Out of Proportion

In this episode, we’re talking about something all of us struggle with: keeping perspective. Our minds are wired to detect danger, but that often means we blow small things way out of proportion while simultaneously ignoring real issues that truly deserve our attention. The episode explores how our brains misclassify urgency and importance, and how that can quietly sabotage our peace, health, and even our relationships.

From missed emails to health warnings, from unreturned texts to loud notifications, the brain often spirals into stress mode. But not everything is a crisis—and learning how to properly categorize problems can help us avoid unnecessary suffering and focus on what actually matters. This is a learned skill, not a personality trait, and it’s one we can all improve with intentional thought and calm practice.

The Mind’s Misclassification System

Our brains aren’t wired for truth—they’re wired for survival. That means we often inflate small inconveniences into full-blown emergencies and ignore critical but quiet signals. Whether it’s eye health affected by early diabetes or financial dangers masked by everyday distractions, we learn how to distinguish real threats from perceived ones.

The Urgent vs Important Grid

Drawing from frameworks like the Franklin-Covey model, the episode shows how urgency often drowns out importance. Trash day might be urgent, but your health may be quietly deteriorating in the background. Learning to prioritize whispering “important” tasks over shouting “urgent” ones can dramatically shift your stress levels.

Learning the Art of Proper Scaling

By asking practical questions like “Will this matter in a year?” or “Is this truly irreversible?”, we begin to deflate the balloon of anxiety. Most so-called catastrophes are just discomforts in disguise. The power of reframing through small questions and honest labeling is highlighted as a method to regain peace and focus.

Physical and Emotional Reset Techniques

Crisis often feels like chaos, but many stress reactions can be calmed with simple physical resets—taking a walk, unclenching your jaw, or breathing deeply. Physical grounding helps mental recalibration and reduces exaggerated thinking.

Using Repairability and Delayed Judgment

One powerful trick: delay the conclusion. Just because something feels overwhelming now doesn’t mean it’s permanent. Asking “Is this repairable?” and “What’s the next best step?” helps avoid spiraling and puts situations back into manageable scope.

🧠 Takeaways

Perspective is not a natural state—it’s a practice. Every moment we react with panic, we miss the opportunity to respond with clarity. Most things that feel like disasters are just stress in disguise. Not every email needs your soul, not every mistake defines your worth, and not every bad day equals a bad life. The key is learning how to scale things back to their true size and practicing this regularly—especially in moments of calm.

By shifting from catastrophizing to curious questioning, we become more grounded, more compassionate with ourselves, and more focused on the things that truly matter. Practicing perspective means reclaiming our peace, our energy, and our lives from the chaos of constant urgency.

This episode is a guide, a conversation, and a reminder that you can return to balance—one small, thoughtful step at a time.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

The Doors of Possibility – Living with the Gift of Maybe

In this episode, I explore how uncertainty, instead of being our enemy, can actually be our greatest source of growth. Inspired by The Gift of Maybe by Allison Carmen, I reflect on how we can shift our mindset from fear and rigidity to curiosity and openness—one small step at a time.

I share a few tools that have changed my life, especially when facing uncertainty or big decisions. These aren’t complex frameworks but simple, powerful mental exercises that invite peace, clarity, and even joy into difficult or confusing situations.

Top Topics Discussed

The Door of Visualization

I explain how imagining life decisions as “doors” can give us clarity we didn’t even know we had. Our bodies often know what we want before our minds do. This tool helps us listen to that inner wisdom.

The Elevator of Maybe

When things feel overwhelming, this mental image of an elevator gives us a pause from overthinking. It’s a neutral space—where no assumptions exist—and it helps us return to the present moment.

Breaking the Routine with Small Shifts

Sometimes, it’s not about grand gestures. I share how changing my morning routine opened up more joy and freedom in my life. Tiny acts of “maybe” lead to massive internal change.

The Possibility Journal

I talk about how this tool helps track “what if” experiments in life, from trying new habits to breaking old thought patterns. It’s a gentle, low-pressure way to embrace growth.

Takeaways

The biggest takeaway from this episode is that we don’t need to have all the answers. Life is unpredictable. But within that unpredictability lies opportunity. When we stop catastrophizing and start experimenting—even a little—we invite transformation.

Fear is often loud, but it isn’t always true. Maybe helps us pause, breathe, and take the next small step. Whether you’re starting something new or stuck in a familiar loop, just asking “what if” can be the beginning of a better path.

The tools shared in this episode—doors, elevators, journals—are just ways to bring more awareness to our thoughts and feelings. They’re invitations to stop running from uncertainty and start living within it, fully and with hope.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

The Shadow Isn't the Monster: Embracing the Gift of Maybe

In this episode, we explore the emotional toll of uncertainty and how it often tricks us into believing disaster is inevitable. But what if the worst-case scenario isn’t guaranteed? What if uncertainty isn’t the enemy, but a doorway to possibility?

We reflect on The Gift of Maybe by Allison Carmen and how a single word—“maybe”—can shift the way we handle fear and the unknown. Through a deeply personal story of a cancer scare, we see how even the most terrifying experiences can lead to unexpectedly positive outcomes.

How Fear Amplifies Uncertainty

Fear takes small problems and casts them as massive threats. This discussion opens with relatable examples—like horror movie shadows—to show how our minds exaggerate what we don’t understand.

Overplanning and the Illusion of Control

We often try to outrun fear by planning every possible outcome. But all the preparation in the world doesn’t ease uncertainty. It just makes us live the fear twice.

“Maybe” as a Mental Reset

Inspired by The Gift of Maybe, we explore how using the word “maybe” softens negative thinking and creates space for hope without forcing optimism.

Challenging Your Inner Narrator

That dramatic voice in your head predicting doom? It’s not always telling the truth. We talk about how to gently challenge it and ask the simple but profound question: “Are you sure?”

Takeaways:

When we stop trying to be certain and start allowing space for the unknown, we give life a chance to surprise us. Maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem. Maybe there’s a better ending ahead. Maybe, just maybe, you don’t know the whole story yet.

Let’s start doubting our doubts. Let’s start listening less to the fear-driven narrator and more to possibility. After all, most of the blessings in life didn’t come from certainty—they came from the unexpected.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Escaping the Certainty Trap: Revisiting “The Gift of Maybe”

In this episode, I explore how the desire for comfort and security can slowly become a trap. Inspired by The Gift of Maybe by Allison Carmen, this story is both personal and universal—how striving for a safe life can quietly limit our growth, and how a single word—“maybe”—can help us shift our mindset, challenge our fear, and open up to new possibilities.

I reflect on my own life, particularly how after years of chaos in my childhood, I worked hard to create a life of comfort: a stable job, predictable routines, a peaceful home. But when faced with a seemingly perfect job opportunity, I froze. The change triggered panic, not because it was wrong, but because it threatened my carefully controlled world.

That’s when The Gift of Maybe entered my life. What started as a book I planned to review for the podcast unexpectedly turned into a mirror I wasn’t prepared to look into. The author’s story mirrored mine—how unexpected change can become transformative, even when it first feels like loss.

Comfort as a Hidden Trap:

Comfort can build slowly, through routines and security, until it becomes a prison of predictability. I explore how this happened in my own life and how I didn’t notice it creeping in until change knocked on the door.

Addiction to Certainty:

Certainty feels safe, but it’s an illusion. I discuss how we can become overly attached to control, resisting anything that disrupts our expectations—even when it’s a good thing.

The Power of “Maybe”:

The word “maybe” isn’t indecision—it’s possibility. Inspired by Allison Carmen’s work, I talk about how shifting our mindset can help us embrace change without fear.

Takeaways from the Episode:

This episode is a reminder that certainty isn’t always the prize we think it is. When we cling too tightly to stability, we shrink our world. “Maybe” gives us the space to grow again. It’s okay to feel fear, but don’t let it make your life smaller. You can take small, brave steps toward a more expansive life.

If your life feels safe but stagnant, maybe it’s time to consider what possibilities you’ve been avoiding—and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to say yes to something new.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Feel Better in Five: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

In this episode, we’re revisiting the powerful teachings from Feel Better in Five by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. It’s a book that has resonated deeply because of its practical, compassionate approach to health. Instead of aiming for massive lifestyle overhauls, Chatterjee introduces a system of five-minute “health snacks”—simple, actionable steps that make caring for your mind, body, and heart accessible to everyone.

The Health Snack Philosophy

We break down the core concept of health snacks—tiny five-minute actions designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost energy. These aren't big changes, but they’re consistent, achievable steps that can truly shift your well-being over time.

Three Pillars of Well-Being: Mind, Body, Heart

This episode explores how wellness isn’t just about physical fitness. We look at how small practices—like deep breathing, stretching, or emotional check-ins—can rejuvenate not just the body, but also your mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Health Recipes and Customization

Dr. Chatterjee’s idea of “recipes” that combine mind, body, and heart actions is a game-changer. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, low energy, or back pain, pairing specific actions together creates powerful results. And you’re encouraged to create your own.

Practical Applications in Daily Life

From watching calming nature videos to going for quick walks, we talk about real-life examples of how these tiny practices can become sustainable habits. The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be present and intentional.

Takeaways:

This episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself doesn’t require a gym membership or a full-day retreat. It can start with five mindful minutes. By embracing small actions and dropping perfectionism, you build momentum and confidence in your ability to support your health.

You’ll come away with ideas for crafting your own personal “health snack” routine, recognizing patterns in your day when a quick mental, physical, or emotional reset can make a real difference. This isn’t about doing everything right—it’s about doing something kind for yourself, every day.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

RESTART: How to Reignite Momentum When You've Lost Your Nerve

In this episode, we explore a very real and universal experience—losing steam on a project, a goal, or a dream. Whether it’s due to fear, exhaustion, confusion, or just plain overwhelm, everyone has hit that point where moving forward feels impossible. But the good news? You can restart. And often, it just takes one tiny step.

I unpack the RESTART framework—an empowering, practical strategy to help you reignite your spark and build momentum again. From managing friction to overcoming fear, we talk about the small actions that lead to big changes.

Why Momentum Fades:

We explore the psychology behind lost momentum—why motivation disappears and how friction, fear, and confusion contribute to project paralysis.

The RESTART Framework:

Each letter of RESTART offers a practical strategy. We discuss removing shame, identifying friction, and starting with the smallest possible steps to build back energy.

Fear and the Brain:

Fear isn’t just psychological—it’s biological. Learn how your nervous system responds to pressure and why creativity shuts down when fear kicks in.

Real Life Example – The Patio Story:

I share a personal story about building a patio—how excitement turned into fear, and how micro-steps helped me finish. This illustrates that even big wins start small.

Tools for Courage:

We explore how to shrink big fears into manageable steps, how to build courage like a muscle, and how to normalize fear as a signal of meaningful work.

Takeaways:

Momentum doesn’t die—it erodes. But action rebuilds it. Shame, fear, and perfectionism often pose as valid reasons to stop, but they’re just signs that something matters. Starting small, building in rewards, adjusting expectations, and getting accountability can create powerful forward movement.

Remember: You’re not behind, you’re between chapters. Restarting isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And courage isn’t a trait you’re born with—it’s something you can grow. Today might be your day to light the match and begin again.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

The Real Power of Rest: Why Doing Less Helps You Do More

This episode unpacks the misunderstood art of rest—not just as a break from work but as a crucial practice for mental clarity, emotional balance, and true productivity. It explores why rest is not the opposite of work, but its most powerful ally. From neuroscience to spirituality, we uncover seven distinct types of rest and how each one revitalizes a different part of who we are.

:

Why Hustle Culture Is Failing Us:

The myth of working yourself to the bone is debunked with research from top universities. More hours ≠ better output. Instead, diminishing returns kick in quickly.

The 7 Types of Rest:

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s framework breaks down rest into physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual. Each meets a different human need.

The Science Behind Micro-Rest:

Our brains are wired for 90-minute work cycles. Taking breaks isn’t lazy—it’s neuroscience. Tools like Welltory and heart rate variability data prove it.

Rest as Sacred Practice:

Exploring how rest ties into spiritual traditions, including the Sabbath and forest bathing. Rest is a divine invitation to stop and just be.

Takeaways:

Rest is not earned—it’s essential. From daily “rest snacks” to monthly digital Sabbaths, you can start small. Even five quiet minutes matter. Whether you’re a high-performing professional, a parent juggling chaos, or someone in recovery from burnout, intentional rest can restore clarity, renew energy, and bring joy back into your routine. Rest is not a weakness—it's a strength disguised as stillness.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.