Today, we're diving into the world of sciatica relief with a very special guest, Dean Volk. With over 30 years of experience in physical therapy and a worldwide clientele of thousands, Dean shares his holistic approach to managing and alleviating sciatica, low back, and neck pain without the need for medications, injections, or surgery.

In this episode, Dean emphasizes the crucial role of mindset, body awareness, and personalized treatment plans in pain management. He talks about the pitfalls of seeking quick fixes and the importance of understanding the unique nature of each individual's pain journey. We'll also discuss practical strategies for dealing with stress, building resilience, and fostering a positive mindset to improve overall well-being.

Join us as we explore Dean's innovative methods, including his three-step approach to sciatica relief and tips on how to maintain balance and stability in your body. Plus, you’ll hear about the importance of curiosity, proper alignment, and avoiding the “no pain, no gain” mentality. Tune in to learn how you can take control of your health, reduce pain, and find lasting relief with insights from this weeks’ guest. 

Inside this episode: 

• 00:00 Dean Volk: Sciatica relief through personalized exercise therapy.
• 05:44 Insurance companies questioned unconventional pain treatment methods.
• 07:00 Stress triggers and intensifies sciatica; balance crucial.
• 10:48 Type A personalities need patience during recovery.
• 14:52 Pain signals issues; don't push through it.
• 18:39 Prioritize self-care to manage and prevent sciatica.
• 22:21 Identify triggers and avoid activities causing pain.
• 25:22 Shift mindset: Positivity impacts daily pain experience.
• 29:03 Apply balanced movements to enhance daily activities.
• 31:36 Curiosity about body awareness is empowering.
• 33:49 Advisors assess fit, offer tailored coaching programs.
• 38:54 Seek new specialist if no improvement noticed.
• 40:25 Success improved with remote assistance, empowering clients.

Learn more about Dean’s programs at his website: SciaticaReliefNow.net

Learn more at happifiedlife.com, or join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group! 

The information in this podcast, or in any linked materials, are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any specific health problem, and it is not a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.  The content of this podcast is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.  It provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects that are deemed reliable at the time of production.  

Always consult with your health care provider so that they can address your specific situation with all the information and knowledge they need in order to provide the fullest extent of medical support that you require. 

Be well, and thrive!

Jenn Johnson is an Emergency Room nurse and author of 'Nursing Intuition: How to Trust Your Gut, Save Your Sanity, and Survive Your Career,' a book for nurses and healthcare providers who want to learn more about how intuition works with the scientific research that validates what care providers have known for years: sometimes inner wisdom sees beyond test results and presenting symptoms.

Together, Susi and Jenn explore the power of intuition in nursing, the importance of resilience, and practical advice on avoiding burnout. Jenn shares personal anecdotes and real-life examples highlighting the critical balance between experience and intuition in the demanding field of healthcare, with a special focus on how the pandemic has reshaped the nursing landscape.

Inside this episode:

• 01:16 Meet Jenn Johnson: Author and Nurse
• 04:38 The Reality of Nursing During the Pandemic
• 09:14 Intuition in Nursing: A Deeper Dive
• 14:21 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 21:10 Recognizing and Managing Burnout
• 26:31 The Vicious Cycle of Burnout
• 27:00 Front-Loading Prevention in Healthcare
• 28:24 Modeling Self-Care for Children
• 29:28 Empowering Kids with Responsibility
• 30:49 The Importance of Breath Work
• 32:15 Calming Techniques in Nursing
• 35:45 Critical Thinking in Nursing
• 43:14 Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone
• 45:23 Reflecting on Life's Journey

Also on Happified:

• The Power Of Helping Medical Providers Heal From Burnout with Tessa Hayman 

Learn more at  happifiedlife.com and join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group. 

This week brings ideas to help you enjoy a greener, cleaner holiday season. With tips and tricks to reduce packaging, choose safer gifts and snacks, and lower your stress: physically, emotionally, and environmentally! Whether it's simple recipe swaps, crafting homemade gifts, or opting for eco-friendly decorations, you’ll find solutions to help you celebrate joyfully and sustainably.

Inside this episode: 

• 00:00 How stress comes home at the holidays.
• 04:31 Packaging and plastics, buyer beware.
• 08:50 Homemade gifts: bath bombs, candles, reusable containers.
• 12:21 Give the gift of memories with classes and passes.
• 16:10 Natural fragrance solutions for a healthier home.
• 18:42 Trees, trimmings, and smart shopping.
• 23:35 Satisfying the sweet tooth with recipe swaps.

Check out these episodes:

• Making a Green Lifestyle More Sustainable, with Stephanie Moram
• The Power of Shopping Safer Products for Your Family + Home, with Dr. Aly Cohen

More Clean + Green Resources: 

• The Smart Human, Dr. Aly Cohen’s website: Learn about the risks hiding in common consumer goods in your kitchen, bath and laundry.
• Good Girl Gone Green, Stephanie Moram: Easy solutions for a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

Leave a comment at 3xlessstress.com or join the community in the Live with Less Stress facebook group! 

Whether your candidate won or lost, many of us have been caught up in a whirlwind of feelings and stress surrounding the recent U.S. presidential election. In this episode, Susi extends a hand to those grappling with overwhelm, family division, and fear of the changes ahead. Listen in for effective tools and insights to help you manage stress and build resilience during these transformative times. From mindfulness to selective engagement, Susi emphasizes the importance of self-care and emotional awareness, along with the power of community, connection, and personal advocacy. Whether it’s about managing overwhelm, nurturing personal wellbeing, or staying informed without feeling inundated, it’s all on the table as we explore how to find calm amidst chaos, and engage meaningfully in societal change. Let's embark on this journey toward healing, balance, and empowerment together.

Inside this episode: 

• 00:00 Navigating change with resilience.
• 04:30 Be present, active, and engaged while coping.
• 09:57 Find calm within chaos; share supportive tools.
• 13:03 Seek support for emotions, ensure healing journey.
• 14:24 Balance is a journey, not a destination.
• 20:27 Ground yourself with mindfulness and movement.
• 23:06 Standing together through change.
• 27:16 Balance action and self-care for sustainable impact.
• 29:17 Reduce noise, recover well-being.
• 32:40 Align values for resilient, purposeful, impactful living.
• 35:59 Start balanced to connect, uplift, and progress.

Looking for more?  Enjoy these Related Episodes: 

• Beat Burnout with a Bubble of Love: Reclaiming Wellbeing in a Rigged Game 
• Dialing Down the Drama for Harmonious Holidays 
• Flower Power for Happier Holidays: Bach Essences for Emotional Ease 

Ready for deeper support?  Check out the “Conquering Overwhelm:21 Day Resilience Plan” resource and video series (free for a limited time!)  

Learn more at  happifiedlife.com and join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group. 

Sage Dammers, the CEO and co-founder of Addictive Wellness, invites you into the fascinating world of personal optimization and holistic wellbeing. Nurtured from a young age, Sage's passion for optimal health shines through as he shares his delves into his personal toolbox of resilience and peak performance habits, and explains the critical role of purity and potency in the ingredients used in Addictive Wellness products. 

With his extensive knowledge of Taoist Tonic Herbalism, Sage dives into the power of adaptogens, and the importance of gradual lifestyle changes to avoid a "healing crisis," along with the potential of working with your unique genetic code, sleep optimization practices, breathwork and cryotherapy.

He also explores the transformative power of breathwork with techniques like the Wim Hof Method, and the crucial role of adaptogens and herbs like lion’s mane mushroom, reishi, and ashwagandha in supporting short-term cognitive performance, long-term brain health, and resilient wellbeing.

Inside this episode:

• 04:07 The origins of “addiction”.
• 09:17 Embracing health tools for optimal performance.
• 14:21 Bringing flavor to healthy foods.
• 16:53 Avoiding an unpleasant detox experience.
• 20:25 Adaptogens enhance stress resilience.
• 25:01 Mindful experience for maximum benefit awareness.
• 29:57 Healing your brain and nerve function.
• 30:57 Herbs to help clear heavy metals.
• 34:05 Functional chocolates for resilience and energy.
• 38:49 Extraction methods to create potent, easy to use herbs.
• 42:36 Nutrient rich breakfast hack for lasting energy.
• 44:06 Sage’s personal practices for resilience.
• 49:34 Revealing the power of breath.
• 50:28 Save your sleep for optimal recovery.

(Transcript coming soon!) 

Learn more about Sage, his work, and their products at addictivewellness.com (affiliate link) and use this code for 10% discount at checkout: 3XLESSSTRESS 

Leave a comment at happifiedlife.com  or join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, impacts many people as the days grow shorter and cooler. In this episode we’ll explore practical strategies to stay resilient and maintain energy during the late fall and winter season. Listen in to discover the crucial role of natural light in healthy sleep patterns and which whole foods help boost your mood, hear tips to recover your energy with physical activity, and lift your spirits with the safe support of Bach flower essence remedies.

You can stay ahead of the winter blues with minor lifestyle adjustments for better resilience. Whether you thrive in cooler weather or find these months challenging, this episode offers valuable insights to help you feel lighter and brighter as you conquer Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Inside this episode:

• 00:00 Tools for your resilience toolkit.
• 04:11 Tune into inner wisdom for lasting change.
• 06:23 Signs to watch for: Indicators of depression.
• 11:19 Full spectrum light for morning energy.
• 13:28 Natural sources of omega-3s.
• 17:56 Vitamin D and healthy fats for better moods.
• 19:15 Activity to keep your body energized and your spirits bright.
• 25:14 Stay motivated with healthy goals and social connection.
• 26:39 Creative, cozy connections to keep you engaged.
• 29:42 A resilience plan, just for you.

Bach Flower Essences for Brighter Spirits:

• Sweet Chestnut relieves heavier emotions and feelings of sadness
• Mustard clears the “passing clouds” of sadness
• Hornbeam restores energy and helps you greet the day
• Honeysuckle relieves nostalgia, bringing peace and acceptance in the present 

Want to learn more about Bach flowers?  Learn what flower essences are, how they bring balance to your emotions, and ways to use them at home for yourself and your family with my Back to Balance with Bach Flowers workshop. Includes training video and detailed guide to remedies for emotions of stress and common disturbances. 

Ready to Conquer Overwhelm with your own 21 Day Resilience Plan? Get this free resource here, and start building your own essential system of self awareness and self care that works for you.   

Are you someone who dreads the shorter, darker days?  What tip will you put to work to relieve the winter blues?  Share with us! Leave a comment at happifiedlife.com  or join the conversation in the Live With Less Stress facebook group. 

Rachel Madorsky is a psychotherapist, executive coach, and author who specializes in helping high-level executive women transform their self-relationship and achieve their dreams. Her book, "How to Love Yourself in Less Than a Week and Also For the Rest of Your Life," offers a variety of simple yet powerful insights and exercises to foster self love, a gift that Rachel notices many of her clients struggle with regardless of their level of success.

This episode dives deep into the realms of authenticity and personal growth, exploring the power of genuine gratitude, self love visualization techniques, and compassionate self reflection. Learn the true source of people-pleasing tendencies, and why courage is essential for expressing our true selves.

Rachel also shares quick, practical tips for stress relief and ways that small shifts in our mindset can lead to profound personal evolution. Get ready to embrace a new perspective on self-worth and instill the essential habit of celebrating your wins.

Inside this episode: 

• 00:00 Self-love influences all aspects of relationships.
• 04:29 Prioritize quick, impactful growth without lengthy investment.
• 10:03 Build empathy and grace for personal growth.
• 12:51 State of being determines actions and perception.
• 16:09 Women thrive when prioritizing their own needs.
• 20:22 Embrace growth: Your ceiling becomes your floor.
• 22:25 Growth involves discomfort and evolving goals.
• 25:23 Attention amplifies,positive or negative. It’s science!
• 28:16 Envision desires through meditation for self-love.
• 32:01 People pleasing may not be what you think it is.
• 35:57 Self-love includes honesty, boundaries, and authenticity.

Connect with Rachel online at rachelmadorsky.com

Curious about the meditation speakers Rachel mentioned?  Learn more here.   

Leave a comment on this episode at happifiedlife.com or join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group. 

In this season of change from summer to fall, many of us feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of busier schedules and added commitments. Whether you're balancing work, family, or personal projects, it's easy to slip into reactive behaviors that leave you feeling scattered and stressed. In today’s episode, we’ll explore practical strategies for managing stress and fostering a more centered and harmonious life.

Inside you’ll find tools to help you shift from a reactive state to responsive, mindful action, and discover the importance of aligning personal values with your goals, with effective strategies to handle busyness and avoid burnout. We’ll discuss how prioritizing self-care and micro-recovery techniques like power naps and outdoor walks can rejuvenate your mind and body, and how community support and creative delegation can ease your stress load. 

Stock your personal resilience toolkit with effective journaling practices that can help identify and manage triggers, and simple ways to integrate mindful moments to stay centered, even during high-stress moments.

Inside this episode:

• 00:00 You, in balance: calm, centered, and resilient.
• 05:07 Response vs. reaction explained.
• 08:10 Chronic stress causes fatigue, irritability, missed priorities.
• 13:07 Follow the signs: What resentment can say about boundaries.
• 14:27 It’s up to you. Prioritize your own well-being.
• 19:36 Mindful moments bring you from reactivity to presence.
• 24:06 Train your brain to boost confidence.
• 27:12 Align values and goals to maintain energy.
• 29:23 Delegate tasks to prioritize self-care and recovery.
• 35:42 Start small to sustainably build powerful habits.
• 38:32 Choose your own self-care adventure.
• 42:00 Share your questions; be a part of Happified.

Learn more about completing the stress cycle with Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout. 

Ready to shift your energy fast?  Check out my Happy Music playlist! 

Celebrate your progress with this Habit Tracker. 

Would you like to help yourself - and others - move the needle on stress?  Be my guest on a Stress Buster Spotlight episode! 

Leave a comment at HappifiedLife.com, or join the community in the Live with Less Stress facebook group.

This conversation for mature listeners explores wearable technology that monitors sexual health, with a pioneering device that aims to revolutionize personal well-being, and even help identify cardiovascular and other chronic issues. 

Dr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP is the CEO and Founder of FirmTech, the first sex tech company dedicated to improving men’s erectile fitness. Dr. Justin blends his background in emergency medicine and the potential of healthcare technology, breaking new ground in the field of men's and women's sexual health.

Shining a light on the significant impact of sexual wellbeing on overall health, this episode explores the benefits of his innovative "smart ring" designed to monitor male erections and provide personalized, data-driven health insights. We'll also delve into the societal stigmas surrounding sexual health and their implications for intimate relationships, as well as society. 

Inside this episode:

• 04:16 The accident that sparked a scientific revolution.
• 07:08 The connection between nocturnal erections and cardiovascular health.
• 12:01 Improved erectile performance.
• 15:24 Starting the conversation about sexual wellbeing.
• 18:00 Sexual intimacy reduces divorce, stress, and cardiovascular risk.
• 21:59 Smart ring identifies psychological or physiological causes of ED.
• 25:02 Healthy communication with medical providers.
• 31:19 Coming soon, innovation in women's sexual health.
• 35:16 Women taking the lead.
• 37:35 Ensure longevity with proactive health monitoring.

More on Men’s Health, with Dr. Tracy Gapin, MD, FACS: 

• Ep. 54: The Power of Taking a Systems Approach to Men’s Health 
• Ep. 159: Men’s Health Revolution: Reclaim Optimal Wellbeing and Vitality 

Connect with Dr. Justin online at myfirmtech.com, and follow on Instagram: @myfirmtech 

Learn more at happifiedlife.com, or join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group. 

Susi shares her top tips to raise your vibration in a chaotic world, with insights to help you catch your breath and lighten your load. In this special episode we’ll explore Do’s and Don’ts to resolve stress and boost your resilience, from prioritizing rest and relaxation to making mindful choices about nutrition and media consumption. Plus, we'll explore the true benefits of setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and reconnecting with nature to feel restored and energized.

Learn about the new "Stress Buster Spotlight" feature, where you’ll meet special guests who are ready to flip the script on stress, to be more empowered and less overwhelmed. Apply here to join Susi on the show! 

Take this time to check in with your needs, get curious and treat yourself with kindness. As we begin to consider a fresh vision for 2025, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive. 

In this episode:

• 5:30 Social media filters that skew your perspective.
• 7:50 Prioritize your own goals and values.
• 12:07 Why whole foods matter.
• 13:35 Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement.
• 17:00 Being mindful with news media consumption.
• 21:26 Gounding in nature and tuning in to yourself.
• 26:32 The necessity of healthy boundaries.
• 30:02 Gratitude rewires your brain to feel happier.
• 33:42 Ready to chart a course for a thriving 2025? Let Susi help.

Share this episode with a friend! Learn more at happifiedlife.com and join the community in the Live with Less Stress facebook group.