Regulate & Rewire: An Anxiety & Depression Podcast

In this final episode of our Back to the Basics series, we bring together all the key concepts we've explored over the past eight episodes. From understanding your nervous system to creating a personalized path to healing, this episode serves as both a review and a roadmap for moving forward with confidence and clarity. 3 Takeaways: Whole-Human Approach: True healing comes from integrating both physiology and psychology – one that explores and acknowledges how your body, mind, relationships, and environment all interconnect in your mental health. Understanding the interplay between your nervous system, stress bucket, reactive and proactive regulation creates a comprehensive framework for healing that honors your unique experiences and needs. If you’ve been feeling stuck in your healing… Which area of your life (physical, mental, relational, or environmental) feels most neglected in your current healing approach, and what small step could you take to address it? Your Symptoms Likely Make Sense: Your symptoms make perfect sense given your past lived experiences and current life circumstances—they’re not signs of brokenness but messages from a system trying to protect you and understanding this helps you shift from self-blame to self-compassion. How might your perspective shift if you approached your symptoms with curiosity rather than judgment, asking “what happened to me?” instead of “what’s wrong with me?” If you were to apply the equation ‘Current Nervous System State = Past Lived Experiences + Current Life Circumstances’ to your own experience, what’s one key insight you gain about why you might be struggling the way you are? Strategic Path Forward: Real healing comes from a balanced approach that includes both in-the-moment tools and deeper, proactive changes that address the root causes of dysregulation. The journey of healing, viewed through a nervous system lens, is ultimately about reconnecting with your authentic self, accessing your inner resources, and creating a life where you feel safe, resilient, and whole. What’s one reactive tool you can practice this week when you notice dysregulation, and one proactive change you feel ready to explore to address something in your stress bucket? “What does ‘coming home to yourself’ mean to you, and what’s one small practice or action you could incorporate into your daily life to cultivate a stronger sense of connection with yourself?” CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In this episode, we’re continuing with Part 8 of the Back to the Basics series by exploring the vital role that comprehensive lab work plays in healing anxiety and depression. I break down why we take a physiology-first—but not physiology-only—approach, the truth behind the outdated “chemical imbalance” theory, and how functional labs can uncover real root causes that are often missed in standard care. 3 Takeaways: Physiology First, Not Only: There’s an interplay between physiology and psychology but if your body is depleted or stressed, it changes how your brain functions. You can’t mindset your way out of a nervous system stuck in survival mode. The Chemical Imbalance Theory is outdated and debunked. This oversimplified narrative can prevent people from exploring the root causes of their symptoms and keeps many stuck in medication-only treatment plans that don’t fully support their healing. Comprehensive Lab Work can take out some of the guesswork. It helps uncover hidden imbalances—like nutrient deficiencies or hormone issues—that may be driving anxiety or depression. It gives you clear, personalized data to support your healing. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ** Referenced Sources: Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2022). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry, 28 (8), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0 Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In Part 7 of our Back to Basics series, we explore proactive regulation as the long-term approach to healing anxiety and depression through a nervous system lens. Building on our previous discussion of reactive tools, this episode examines how to address the root causes of your symptoms. 3 Takeaways: Proactive regulation is about root causes, not symptom chasing. It’s the long game of building a sustainable, regulation-supportive life. The most effective healing path is personal. Your next step depends on what’s in your bucket and what feels doable now. Consistency beats overhaul. Small, well-supported changes (especially with guidance) create the biggest long-term impact. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

This morning I wanted to flush my kid down the toilet, it was just one of those mornings. It made me realize that while last week we had a great chat about reactive regulation, it was a bit heavy on the theory vs practical application. I'm extending that conversation today to share some real life examples of how I use these tools in my everyday life, how I used them this morning with my son. So, here's Part 6 of my Back to the Basics Series. 3 Takeaways: Tools work better when they’re practiced in low-stakes moments. Amanda didn’t magically regulate during a meltdown—she had practiced those steps in less charged settings first. You don’t have to fully shift your state to call a tool successful. If it takes the edge off enough to help you stay present, it’s working. Use different tools for different goals. Some tools shift your physiology. Others help you stay with emotion. Both are valid. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In part 5 of our Back to Basics series, we explore reactive regulation, a powerful approach to managing your nervous system in moments of anxiety, overwhelm, or shutdown. Learn how to use your body's natural stress responses to create a personalized toolkit for finding more calm and intentionality amidst life's challenges. 3 Takeaways: Reactive Resourcing: Reactive regulation is like a first-aid kit for your nervous system – a set of tools that provide temporary safety cues to help you bridge the gap between stress and regulation in moments of dysregulation. Meet Your System: The principle of “meeting your nervous system where it is” and “tool layering” is essential – rather than forcing calm when activated or high energy when shut down, acknowledge your current state first and then incrementally guide yourself toward regulation. Proactive Practice: Proactively practicing your reactive regulation tools in low-stress situations makes them more accessible and effective when you’re facing bigger challenges. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! * click here to view the impala video I referenced in the episode — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In part 4 of our Back to Basics series, we explore the "stress bucket" analogy to help you understand why you might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Learn how to assess your unique stress load and discover personalized pathways to healing. 3 Takeaways: You have a unique stress capacity. When your bucket overflows, symptoms show up. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means your body is communicating with you. Identify your stressors. List both baseline and daily stressors. This simple awareness offers a more personalized path forward. Healing is about balance. You don’t have to eliminate all stress. Add support, increase capacity, and shift what you can. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In part 3 of our Back to Basics series, we explore why we get stuck in states of dysregulation and why anxiety and depression persist. Learn how modern living patterns and past experiences shape our nervous system responses, and discover a compassionate approach to understanding your symptoms. 3 Takeaways: Your symptoms make sense. Anxiety and depression are often normal responses to overwhelm. Recognize your patterns without pathologizing them. Biology matters. The way you live—your sleep, stress, food, and relationships—can either support or sabotage your nervous system. Start small by changing one supportive habit. Safety is learned. If your body perceives the world as dangerous, even safe moments will feel threatening. Begin identifying your “parts” and their protective roles to shift how you relate to stress. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In this second episode of the "Back to Basics" series, we explore the six nervous system states and how understanding them can transform your approach to anxiety and depression healing. 3 Takeaways: Your state determines your story. How you feel physically shapes how you think emotionally. Track your state, not just your thoughts. You experience each state differently. Start noticing your own patterns. When do you feel buzzy and urgent? When do you go flat or withdrawn? That awareness is your first step toward change. Try the paper-on-the-door check-in. Write “What state am I in right now? How do I know?” on a piece of paper. Tape it somewhere visible. Ask it daily. This builds awareness fast—and gently. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In this first episode of the “Back to Basics” series, Amanda dives into the core of what drives anxiety and depression: your nervous system. When you better understand how this mind-body system works you can work with it towards healing. 3 Takeaways: Your symptoms are protective, not personal. Your nervous system isn’t trying to ruin your life. It’s trying to keep you safe. The more fluently you speak its language, the less you’ll feel at war with yourself. Self-compassion is non-negotiable. Understanding your nervous system can help dissolve self-blame and shift you into a posture of curiosity instead of criticism. That shift alone can change your healing trajectory. You’re likely carrying more than anyone ever taught you to hold. When Amanda describes the nervous system as holding a “bucket” of stressors, it clicks: Most of us are carrying too much with too little support. Of course we’re tired. Of course we’re stuck. The work isn’t to toughen up—it’s to learn how to carry differently. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Ps. This is a re-run of this series. It originally aired in February 2025, and is still the series I hear back about the most. Since there’s been a wave of new listeners joining lately, I wanted to bring it back around. And for those of you who were here the first time, I invite you to listen again through the lens of where you are right now, it’s likely shifted over the last year and a half, and just see what lands differently. — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In this episode Amanda shares her favorite anxiety equation (Anxiety = an overestimation of threat + underestimation of your ability to manage the threat) through a lens of two personal examples. She also shares a little life update and upcoming plans for the next segment on the podcast. Hit play to join her for a candid, unscripted conversation with an ending invitation to write in (on the form linked below) to share what you'd like to hear future episodes on and that if you've found the podcast helpful to leave a review to help get these tools and conversations out to even more people who need them. *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In today's episode, Amanda shares something she's never shared publicly before — a little bedtime song she wrote for her kids that's become a nightly staple. What started as a spontaneous attempt to teach her children the things she wished she'd known earlier has turned into a fun family song teaching the fundamentals of mental and physical health. Amanda share the song with you, invites you to make it your own, and then breaks down each line of the song and what it means not just for the littles in our lives, but for the adults who are still doing this healing work themselves. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

Morning sunlight might be the most underutilized free regulation tool available to us — and in this episode, Amanda breaks down exactly why getting outside within the first hour of waking is one of the highest-return things you can do for your nervous system. From circadian rhythm and cortisol to serotonin, sleep quality, and mood regulation, the science is clear — and the practice is simpler than you think. 3 Takeaways: Your morning sets the stage for your night. Getting outside for 5–15 minutes within the first hour of waking helps set your circadian rhythm, supports healthy energy during the day, and improves your chances of sleeping well at night. Small things matter more than we think. When symptoms are big, we often look for big solutions. But healing is often built through small, consistent actions that support our biology and create a foundation for regulation over time. Modern life often works against our nervous system. Our biology evolved expecting bright light during the day and darkness at night. Morning sunlight is one simple way to reduce that mismatch and give your brain and body the signals they were designed to receive. "Happy Light" Recommendations: Verilux® HappyLight w/ Timer ($39) CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In this episode, Amanda gets candid about what regulated living actually looks like when life gets hard — including the sleep deprivation, the skipped workouts, and the very human experience of teaching what you're currently struggling to practice. She walks through the two things that keep her grounded in chaotic seasons: flexibility and context. She also shares her five domains of healing and the Daily Five as a framework for strategic, adaptable healing that meets you where you actually are. 3 Takeaways: Flexibility is a healing skill. When one foundation slips, pivot to what's accessible. Doing less well is still doing something. Your symptoms make sense given the load. Context isn't an excuse — it's accurate information that guides you back to what you need. Healing is strategic. The six domains of healing give you a map so that when life gets chaotic, you know where to look instead of trying harder at everything at once. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

Today’s episode is a guided practice designed to help your nervous system settle and prepare for quality sleep. We’ll start by moving through a short discharging sequence to process any lingering stress from the day, then move into some gentle breathwork. This first part of the practice can be done standing beside your bed, sitting on the edge of it, or already lying down — whatever feels right for where you are tonight. There's nothing you need to do to prepare, just be here as you are, hit play and let's begin. — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In Part 2 of this sleep anxiety series, Amanda gets practical. She breaks down exactly what to do when you can't fall asleep, what to do when you wake up in the middle of the night, and offers a full toolkit of cognitive, environmental, and somatic practices that shift the conditions for sleep over time. If Part 1 was the understanding, this is the application. Click here to preorder your own lamp. Use the code "REGULATED" to get 10% off. 3 Takeaways: You can't force sleep, but you can build better conditions for it. The middle-of-the-night wake-up needs a different response than lying there fighting it. Sit up, name the state, meet the sensation, reach for breathwork over your phone, and get up if you're still activated after 20-30 minutes. Every regulated response starts to undo the old pattern. Your daytime is the preparation for your nighttime. Morning sunlight, consistent wake time, movement, processing stress before it accumulates — none of this feels like sleep hygiene but all of it is. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

Sleep anxiety is one of the most common experiences for people living with chronic stress, anxiety, and dysregulation. In Part 1 of this three-part series, Amanda breaks down why the nervous system is at the center of sleep disruption, the difference between not being able to fall asleep and middle-of-the-night wake-ups, and the primary drivers behind nighttime anxiety. This is the understanding episode — Part 2 brings the tools, and Part 3 is a guided wind-down practice. 3 Takeaways: Sleep requires safety, not effort. Your nervous system won't let you go offline until it believes the coast is clear. Sleep disruption during chronic stress isn't a flaw — it's your system doing its job. The path forward is building safety, not trying harder. There are two distinct flavors of sleep anxiety and they feed each other. Not being able to fall asleep and waking in the night share the same root — a nervous system that hasn't received the signal that it's safe to rest. If the middle-of-the-night wake-up is consistent, it's not random. Four primary drivers are worth understanding: dysregulated cortisol, unprocessed stress, conditioned arousal, and blood sugar instability. Knowing which applies to you is where the work starts. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

Understanding self-harm through a nervous system lens changes everything — and in this episode, Amanda breaks down what's actually happening in the brain and body when this behavior shows up, why it works as a short-term regulation strategy even when it comes at a high cost, and what genuinely helps address the root of the pattern rather than just the behavior itself. 3 Takeaways: Self-harm is a nervous system regulation attempt. Understanding this is not permission to continue it — it's the foundation for approaching it without shame. The nervous system underneath self-harm is physiologically dysregulated, not just psychologically. Healing has to target the nervous system itself, not just thoughts or behaviors in isolation. Effective alternatives work when they do the same jobs as self-harm — building discharge pathways and widening the window of tolerance. That takes time and often professional support, and healing is genuinely possible. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Resources: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 — Research referenced in this episode: Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery — The Neurobiology of NSSI PMC/NIH — Self-harm and emotional regulation research MedlinePlus — Self-harm overview Nature Mental Health (2025) — Electrodermal activity and self-harm — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

Walking for mental health goes deeper than most people realize — and in this episode, Amanda breaks down exactly why increasing your daily step count is one of the highest-return nervous system practices you're probably underutilizing. From bilateral movement and cortisol metabolism to blood sugar stability and sleep, the science behind a simple daily walk is more connected to your emotional wellbeing than you might think. 3 Takeaways: Walking regulates your nervous system through several physiological pathways at once. Bilateral movement, cortisol metabolism, blood sugar stabilization, and sleep quality are all influenced by consistent daily walking. That’s why the research on it for anxiety and depression is so consistent. The right goal is a real stretch from where you actually are. Find your current daily average, then set a target that’s meaningful but reachable in your current life. Sustainable habit change doesn’t start with the ideal number. It starts with the next number. Walking is one lever, and it’s worth pulling. If you’re already walking consistently and still struggling, something else needs attention. But if this is a lever you haven’t been pulling, the research is clear enough and the barrier low enough that it earns its place as a genuine mental health practice. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In this listener response episode, Amanda answers three thoughtful follow-up questions from the five-part stress management series. She digs deepest into a question about reorienting to a baseline mindset stressor — using the trigger vs overwhelm distinction to help listeners diagnose what's actually happening before deciding what to do about it. She also honors a listener's real-life editing win in the middle of profound grief, and offers a few grounding thoughts on going it alone, the impulse to flush everything and start over, and what chronic consumption does to your inner knowing. 3 Takeaways: When something you love starts to feel overwhelming, the most important diagnostic question is: is this the trigger, or is it the final drop? Those two scenarios need different responses. One is primarily a load management problem. The other points toward nervous system associations that need to be slowly rebuilt. Knowing which is which changes where you focus your energy. Your nervous system learned the associations it’s operating from, which means it can unlearn them. But rewiring requires capacity first. You cannot rebuild an association from inside a survival response. Regulation comes before rewiring, and that sequencing isn’t a detour it’s what makes the rewiring actually stick. That immediate felt sense of relief when you make the right edit? Trust it. Your nervous system is giving you real-time feedback. That signal the exhale, the release is data. And it builds momentum for the next edit. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

In the final episode of this stress management series, Amanda steps back from frameworks and talks about the gap between understanding what needs to change and actually changing it. She revisits the nervous system ladder as a way to help listeners locate themselves after five episodes of honest reflection, reads from her book Healing Through the Vagus Nerve on the four-phase healing process and her strategic healing philosophy, and closes with a direct look at what personalized, whole-human support actually looks like inside RESTORE . 3 Takeaways: Know what season of healing you’re in and match your support to your actual capacity. Each phase has its own needs. Trying to force Phase 3 work before your nervous system is regulated enough to hold it doesn’t accelerate healing; it stalls it. Asking “what season am I in?” is one of the most clarifying questions you can bring to your next step. Healing has a general sequence: education, regulation, rewiring, resourcing. Order matters. Building a regulated baseline is the foundation that makes deeper work possible — not an optional first step you can skip. Knowing different and living different are not the same thing and that gap is not a willpower problem. It’s a capacity and support problem. Strategic, personalized, whole-human support is what bridges it. If you’re looking for that kind of support, it exists. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available). Join here. Order my book : Healing Through the Vagus Nerve *Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE . — Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Website: https://www.regulatedliving.com/podcast Email: amanda@regulatedliving.com Instagram: @amandaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise