RAISE Q&A: Nervous System Regulation, Real-Life Wellness & Motherhood

Essential Wellness Tools

• 💡 Reformer Pilates machines are highlighted as a game-changer for home workouts, offering convenience and time efficiency.
• ⚡ The chi machine is praised for its ability to relax the nervous system through spinal movement, promoting a sense of safety.
• 🚀 Vibration plates are a versatile home workout tool, useful for regulation, strength training, and can be easily stored.
• ✨ Red light therapy is a consistent practice for skin health and hormonal balance, especially when combined with supplements.
• 💧 Water filters are essential, with a strong preference for filtered or spring water over tap water due to taste and perceived purity.

Nervous System Regulation for Parents

• 🧘‍♀️ Nightly walks are a go-to for disconnecting and processing the day, offering fresh air and movement.
• 🧠 Red light therapy sessions (even 5-10 minutes) provide a relaxing, grounding experience.
• 💬 A crucial mindset reframe is shifting from a child "giving you a hard time" to "having a hard time," fostering compassion and understanding.
• ⚠️ Recognizing that a child's behavior may stem from an inability to cope, rather than defiance, is key to meeting them where they are.

Diet, Travel & Lifestyle Choices

• 🥩 Animal-based eating has become more relaxed, with a focus on simple foods like meat and fish, but strict avoidance of gluten and seed oils.
• ✈️ When traveling, taking snacks and communicating directly with chefs about preparation methods (e.g., cooking in butter) is vital.
• ☀️ Mindful sun exposure is encouraged for Vitamin D and overall health, balancing face protection with body exposure, and avoiding burning.
• 📚 Book recommendations include "The Wealth Money Can't Buy" by Robin Sharma, "Beyond Wanting" by Matt Cook, and "Atomic Habits" (especially the workbook) for life audits and habit formation.

Clean Beauty & Sustainable Choices

• 🌿 While striving for clean beauty, there's an acknowledgment of enjoying some non-clean favorites, particularly activewear made from synthetics.
• 💄 Daily makeup is minimal and clean, with occasional use of higher-performance products for specific occasions.
• 🛍️ Investing in natural fiber clothing (cotton, linen, wool) is a goal for reducing exposure to synthetic materials and their frequencies.
• 💡 Sharing recommendations for clean makeup brands like Ilia, Merit, and Saie is encouraged.