Restore Body Balance

What role does stress play in digestion and inflammation? In this episode, Colleen provides several tips on stress reduction to thereby get out of the sympathetic nervous system and potentially improve digestion. Combining her certification in integrative nutrition with traditional psychology and her Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART), Colleen also explains how inflammation and chronic stress impacts our bodies and our minds. 

The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only.

In today's episode, Colleen explains how digestion works in the body and the concept of epigenetics. Only by understanding how digestion works will we be able to potentially heal ailments we may face. Colleen explains the connection between the gut and the mind and how the combination of psychology, biology and neurology come into effect. 

During the season of New Year's Resolutions, Colleen continues the theme of change from last episode and  explores "Why is it so difficult for us to change?" Today's episode discusses some of the neural processes that happen when we try to go about enacting changes in our lives. Colleen touches on neurology, psychology and explains some cognitive behavioral therapy tools to help better understand the concept of change. 

Today's topic is the last episode in the four part mini-series on energy. Today we will learn how to build resilience to increase and maintain your energy. Topics covered include: Gentle Loving Kindness, The Domino Effect, Nature, and the Inflammatory Response. 

Today’s topic is part three of four in a series on energy.  What it really is, how we can harness more of it, and live happier, more resilient lives. Especially in our current climate, where we are all wired but tired. Topics covered include four recommendations for harnessing more energy. 

In the first episode of the four part energy series, Colleen dives into the topic of energy. Topics covered include: where energy comes from, the three categories of energy, and how to actually create more energy. Colleen explains several techniques for creating more energy including: the Pomodoro  Technique and Ultradian rhythms. 

Colleen explains the science of happiness. Topics covered include: the mind-body connection, building resiliency, antidoting stress. 

In this episode, Colleen explains the Science of Sleep: from what happens to our bodies when we sleep, the psychological, neurological and biological functions of sleep, and what to do to ensure optimal sleep conditions. Colleen also explains the process of REM sleep. 

In this episode, Colleen explains the science of learning, including the variety of factors help us acquire knowledge, the neurological processes of learning, and components and factors involved in learning and development. 

In this episode, Colleen explains the science of habits. Topics discussed include: how did we fall into bad habits and how do we stop them, automatic habits, the impact of stress on habits, cravings, and more!

In this episode, Colleen and Niko discuss boosting your emotional immune system. Colleen discusses self regulation, building resilience, automatic systems, and intrusive thoughts. She explains trips and techniques to interrupt bad patterns and behaviors. Then, lastly, Colleen and Niko explore the role of technology and phone addiction on stress and emotions. 

In today's episode, Colleen and Niko discuss dealing with burnout. Colleen explains the difference between work and non-work burnout, and how certain forms of burnout tend to be hidden from others. Colleen discusses tips, tools and techniques to antidote burnout, including the science of "micro-breaks."

In this episode, Colleen and Niko discuss chronic inflammation. Topics covered include: why inflammation occurs, the anti-inflammatory diet, and the influence of stress and sleep on inflammation. 

Colleen and Niko discuss the habits of stress resilient people. Topics covered include: emotional granularity, positive expectation, cognitive reappraisal, and cognitive dissonance. 

In this episode, Colleen explains how to deal with big emotions. Using her training both as a Psychotherapist and her training at the Benson Henry Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital in concert with Harvard University Department of Psychology, Colleen examines the science of emotions and the theories associated with emotions. Colleen mentions the importance of having positive adaptive thoughts.  And the more these beliefs and thoughts are practiced the greater their influence is to buffer stress and “prevent” maladaptive thinking.

In this episode, Colleen and Niko discuss how societal interactions are changing as a result of self-quarantining and social distancing. Colleen takes an integrative health approach to explain why burnout happens, the power of choice and how to use mindfulness during these times to improve your mood and wellness overall. 

In this episode, Colleen and Niko discuss the ins and outs of superfoods. From what makes a superfood "super," to the common denominators between these foods. Colleen uses her certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to provide guidance on common superfoods that you can easily integrate into your everyday diet. 

In this episode, Colleen uses her certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to discuss how food impacts mood. Colleen and Niko discuss the microbiome and eating while stressed. They discuss recent scientific studies, diet trends, and the role inflammation plays in diet, our bodies, and moods. Colleen explains what happens to our bodies when we eat when we are stressed. 

In this episode, Colleen and Niko discuss the immune system and explore topics including: the role of stress on our immune system, gut health, prebiotics vs. probiotics, the benefits of teas. Colleen offers psychological, neurological and biological perspectives on the immune system. Diving into the science of the immune system and the gut, we can better understand how our immune system works and how we can maintain healthy immune systems.  Colleen explains tips and techniques for a better immune system, from sleep, to nutrition, and lowering stress. 

How do we alleviate anxiety? As a cognitive behaviorist and psychotherapist, Colleen Burns offers tips and techniques for alleviating anxiety and reducing stress . Coproducer Niko Yaitanes asks Colleen several questions guiding the conversation. Diving into the science behind these reactions, we explore the sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous systems and  the triggers to anxiety and stress.