Ep.177 – Dr. Teryn Clarke – Interrupting Stress with Microdoses of Relaxation
How do you manage stress in the face of small or large-scale traumatic events?
Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to tackle a pressing issue—how to manage stress when trauma feels like it is all around us, especially in the face of large-scale traumatic events like the recent fires in California. Dr. Teryn, who is based in Orange County, shares firsthand accounts of the devastation, highlighting the emotional toll on displaced families and communities.
Our conversation centers on effective techniques for managing stress, emphasizing the importance of microdoses of relaxation through simple breathing exercises. Dr. Teryn explains the physiological impacts of stress on the body, particularly elevated levels of cortisol, and how they can be mitigated.
We also cover the benefits of maintaining good nutrition, the critical role of socialization in mental health, and practical tips to help both adults and children handle anxiety and stress in their daily lives.
Whether you’re dealing with minor daily stressors or major life events, this episode provides actionable insights to help you maintain emotional balance.
Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Teryn Clarke.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
One insightful takeaway from the show is the concept of interrupting stress with microdoses of relaxation through deep belly breathing, which helps shift the body from a stress-induced sympathetic state to a calming parasympathetic state, thereby reducing cortisol levels and promoting overall well-being. This practice offers an accessible and effective method to manage stress in daily life.
1 Way You Can Apply This
To reduce stress effectively and effortlessly, implement the strategy of interrupting stress with microdoses of relaxation by practicing deep breathing exercises. Whenever a stress trigger such as an email notification arises, take a few deep belly breaths, ensuring the air fills the lower part of your lungs, which activates your parasympathetic "rest and digest" system, thus calming your nerves and lowering cortisol levels, ultimately fostering a sense of relaxation and improving overall well-being.
1 Question to Ask
How can I incorporate microdoses of relaxation, such as deep belly breathing, into my daily routine to help manage stress and reduce cortisol levels?
Key Moments From the Show
00:01:13 Coping with emotional trauma during fire situations and lack of trauma counseling.
00:03:15 Using microdoses to interrupt stress with breathing techniques.
00:04:51 Switching from sympathetic to parasympathetic system through deep belly breathing.
00:09:23 Demonstrating relaxation breathing to trigger parasympathetic response.
00:11:18 Encouraging kids with anxiety to practice deep breathing and relaxation.
00:13:59 Importance of nutrition and socialization in managing stress and mental health.
00:19:41 Impact of social isolation on different age groups, especially teens and elderly.
00:23:20 Managing stress by timing stressful tasks with natural cortisol spikes during the day.
Resources Featured in This Episode:
Navigating the Emotional Tides of Parenting and Life Transitions
Navigating Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Stress in a New Year