How Your Nervous System Controls Your Hormones: Perimenopause, Anxiety & Healing with Paula Rastrick

How Your Nervous System Controls Your Hormones: Perimenopause, Anxiety & Healing with Paula Rastrick

In this episode of Mindful Chats, Nicole reairs her fascinating conversation with Paula Rastrick, nervous system coach, trauma-informed practitioner, and founder of The Brain Body Method. Paula shares the personal healing journey that led her to connect the dots between the nervous system and women's hormonal health, revealing why so many women struggle with PMS, postpartum, and perimenopause symptoms that the medical system often misreads. After her own difficult perimenopause and a lifetime of unexplained hormonal struggles, Paula developed a new map for understanding hormonal sensitivity, one that starts not with estrogen, but with the nervous system itself. Together, Nicole and Paula explore why hormone therapy alone often isn't enough, how childhood and early-life experiences shape a more sensitive nervous system, and the practical tools women can use to expand their capacity for stress and finally feel safe in their bodies. What You'll Learn * Why your nervous system, not just your hormones, may be driving your symptoms * How a sensitive nervous system develops from the womb through childhood and beyond * The three major brain and nervous system recalibrations: puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause * Why perimenopause can feel like a "reckoning" and why symptoms often surface then * The role of progesterone as your natural stress regulator and what happens when you lose it * Why talk therapy and standardized hormone treatment often miss the root cause * What nervous system dysregulation actually looks like in everyday life * The difference between PMS and PMDD and when mood symptoms cross into something more serious * How the vagus nerve and heart rate variability (HRV) reveal when you need rest and recovery * Why "just calm down" doesn't work, and how to expand your window of tolerance instead * How nervous system wiring shapes your relationships and attraction patterns * The Safe and Sound Protocol and how sound frequency can help regulate the nervous system * Why understanding your own nervous system helps you advocate for yourself with doctors Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for you if: * You're navigating perimenopause or menopause and feel like something deeper is going on * You've struggled with PMS, PMDD, or mood swings tied to your cycle * You experienced postpartum anxiety or depression and never got real answers * You feel constantly on edge, wired, or stuck in survival mode * You've been told to "just take estrogen" but still don't feel like yourself * You suspect your hormones and your mental health are connected but no one's explained how * You're a highly sensitive person who feels easily overwhelmed * You want to understand the link between trauma, the nervous system, and hormonal health * You're tired of being treated in parts and want a whole-body approach * You want practical, science-based tools to regulate your nervous system * You're curious about the vagus nerve, polyvagal theory, and HRV * You believe in advocating for yourself rather than handing your body over to systems Resources Paula's book, Hormonally Sensitive Women: A Trauma-Informed, Neurodivergent Approach, is now available. Learn more at thebrainbodymethod.com [https://thebrainbodymethod.com/] Special Offer for Mindful Chats Listeners: Nicole's Nervous System Reset and Total Reset Programs are now open for enrollment. Get 10% off when you mention "Mindful Chats." Learn more and get started: mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset [https://mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset] Connect with Paula Rastrick: * Website: thebrainbodymethod.com [https://thebrainbodymethod.com/] * Instagram: @mrspaularastrick [https://www.instagram.com/paula_rastrick/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram: @mindfulhealthnyc [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulhealthnyc/] * DM Nicole what resonated with you from this episode

Eating Without Fear: Celiac, Autoimmune Healing & Gluten-Free Baking with Ali Jenkins

In this episode of Mindful Chats, Nicole sits down with Ali Jenkins, founder and recipe developer behind Sweetly Measured, to talk about gluten-free baking, autoimmune healing, and the surprising role your nervous system plays in food sensitivities. After testing positive for the celiac gene and navigating postpartum autoimmune challenges, Ali reimagined classic desserts using nutrient-dense ingredients, specialty flours, and less refined sugar, proving that gluten-free baking doesn't have to sacrifice flavor, texture, or joy. Together, Nicole and Ali explore how to nourish your body without fear, raise food-curious kids, and approach healing from a place of mindfulness instead of restriction. What You'll Learn * How Allie discovered her celiac gene and the symptoms that led her to go gluten-free * Why postpartum is a critical window for autoimmune flare-ups in women * The most beginner-friendly specialty flours to stock in your pantry (almond, coconut, cassava, tapioca) * How gluten-free baking has evolved — and why it no longer means dense, gritty, or bland * The myth that "healthy desserts" have to taste healthy * How your palate naturally shifts when you reduce refined sugar * Why eating in fight-or-flight sabotages your healing (even when your diet is perfect) * The connection between food fear, nervous system dysregulation, and autoimmune symptoms * How to shift from restriction-based eating to an "add in" mindset * Why involving kids in baking expands their palate and teaches lifelong food skills * Allie's process for creating new gluten-free recipes (and the easiest ones to start with) * How to give yourself grace as a mom, creator, and human navigating chronic health issues Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for you if: * You've recently been diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity * You're navigating a new autoimmune diagnosis and feeling overwhelmed * You experienced postpartum health changes that left you searching for answers * You want to bake gluten-free desserts that actually taste indulgent * You're tired of feeling restricted and want a more joyful relationship with food * You're stuck in food fear and want to heal your nervous system around eating * You're a mom who wants to pass down healthier eating habits to your kids * You're curious about grain-free and paleo baking but don't know where to start * You want to understand the link between stress, autoimmunity, and gut health * You're looking for nourishing recipes that don't require a degree in food science * You believe wellness should feel supportive, not perfectionist Resources Special Offer for Mindful Chats Listeners: Nicole's Nervous System Reset Program is now open for enrollment. Get $100 off your first session when you mention "Mindful Chats" when booking. Learn more and get started: mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset [https://mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset] Connect with Ali Jenkins: * Website: sweetlymeasured.com [https://sweetlymeasured.com] * Instagram: @sweetlymeasured [https://www.instagram.com/sweetlymeasured/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram: @mindfulhealthnyc [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulhealthnyc/] * DM Nicole what resonated with you from this episode

7 Signs Your Nervous System Is Dysregulated (And What To Do About It)

In this solo episode of Mindful Chats, Nicole breaks down the seven most common signs your nervous system is dysregulated, and why this isn't just "in your head." She reveals how physical stressors like blood sugar crashes, poor sleep, and skipping meals signal danger to your body just as much as emotional stress does. Nicole shares practical, actionable tools to support both your nervous system and physical health so you can finally break the cycle of tired-but-wired, reactive, and overwhelmed. What You'll Learn * The one question your nervous system is always asking (and why the answer matters) * Why you feel "tired but wired" at night (and how cortisol patterns affect sleep) * How blood sugar crashes cause middle-of-the-night wake-ups * Why you're suddenly overwhelmed by things that used to feel manageable * The connection between racing thoughts, anxiety, and physical stressors like caffeine * How your vagus nerve links digestion and nervous system regulation * Why some people shut down instead of feeling anxious (and what that means) * The real reason you snap easily and feel emotionally reactive * Why your body won't let you relax even when you desperately want to * Simple nervous system tools: breathwork, grounding, active rest, sensory regulation * Physical support: minerals, magnesium, blood sugar balance, circadian rhythm optimization Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for you if: * You wake up exhausted but your mind races all day * You feel tired but wired at night and can't fall asleep * Small things suddenly overwhelm you * You have racing thoughts and constant anxiety * You experience digestive issues or bloating * You feel numb, shut down, or emotionally flat * You snap easily or feel overly reactive * You struggle to relax even when you want to * You're doing "everything right" but your body still feels off * You want to understand the physical roots of nervous system dysregulation * You're looking for practical, actionable tools (not just "calm down" advice) Resources Special Offer for Mindful Chats Listeners: Nicole's Nervous System Reset Program is now open for enrollment. Get $100 off your first session when you mention "Mindful Chats" when booking. Learn more and get started: mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset [https://mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset] Connect: * Instagram: @mindfulhealthnyc [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulhealthnyc/] * DM Nicole what resonated with you from this episode

Is Mold Toxicity Making You Sick? Hidden Signs Your Home Is Affecting Your Health with Elise Perelman

You're exhausted all the time. Your brain feels foggy. Anxiety shows up out of nowhere. You've tried everything—therapy, supplements, diet changes—but nothing fully works. What if the problem isn't you? What if it's your home? In this eye-opening episode of Mindful Chats, host Nicole sits down with holistic health coach and mold remediation expert Elise Perelman to explore how hidden mold exposure can silently devastate your health for decades. Elise shares her own journey from chronic fatigue, 13 root canals, and severe sinus infections to discovering that mold and dental infections were the root cause all along. She reveals how to identify mold in your home, why your nervous system can't heal in a toxic environment, and the surprising connection between root canals, bacteria, and chronic illness. What You'll Learn * How mold impacts almost every system in your body (anxiety, brain fog, gut issues, joint pain, vision changes, and more) * Why you can't fully heal if your environment isn't safe * The signs of mold exposure that have nothing to do with seeing or smelling mold * Where mold hides in your home (and the #1 place most people miss) * Why removing environmental stressors is the foundation for nervous system regulation * Advanced mold detection technology (Instascope laser scanning) and hospital-grade remediation * Simple daily practices that support nervous system healing (sunlight, nature, circadian rhythm, dancing) * How neurofeedback can immediately lift anxiety and panic attacks Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for you if: * You have chronic fatigue that won't lift no matter what you try * You deal with persistent brain fog or difficulty concentrating * You have unexplained anxiety or panic attacks * You experience increased seasonal allergies or new food sensitivities * You have chronic sinus infections or congestion * You've had multiple root canals or dental infections * You've lived in homes with water damage or visible mold * Your nervous system feels constantly on edge or dysregulated * You're sensitive to light, sound, or smells * You're interested in environmental causes of chronic illness * You want to understand the home-health connection More about our guest Elise Perelman is a healer, holistic health coach, and a visionary founder (along with her partner, Greg Ribaudo) of Peak Life Holistics and NY Mold Solution. Her own profound healing journey gave her a deep understanding of the many layers of true wellness, allowing her to guide clients with genuine compassion, insight, and empathy. Peak Life Holistics is an advanced wellness center dedicated to peak human optimization, offering cutting-edge modalities such as neurofeedback, biofeedback, light therapy, detoxification, and oxygenation to support nervous system regulation, cellular renewal, and whole-body vitality. Together with her partner, Elise also co-owns NY Mold Solution, a professional mold remediation company that restores healthy living environments with a hospital-grade, whole-home sanitization designed to cleanse, purify, and protect. Resources -Connect with Elise on Instagram @eliseperelman [https://www.instagram.com/eliseperelman/] and work with her: Peak Life Holistics (Wellness Center) * Website: peaklifeholistics.com [https://peaklifeholistics.com/] * Instagram: @peaklifeholistics [https://www.instagram.com/peaklifeholistics] New York Mold Solution (Mold Remediation) * Website: NYMoldSolution.com [https://nymoldsolution.com/] * Instagram: @nymoldsolution [https://www.instagram.com/nymoldsolution/] Special Offer for Mindful Chats Listeners: Nicole's Nervous System Reset Program is now open for enrollment. Get $100 off your first session when you mention "Mindful Chats" when booking. Learn more and get started: mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset [https://mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset] -Connect with Nicole: * Instagram: @mindfulhealthnyc [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulhealthnyc/] * DM Nicole what resonated with you from this episode

Why You Can't Think Your Way Out of Trauma (And What Actually Works) with Atara Parkinson

You've tried therapy. You know the cognitive tools. You understand your patterns logically. But your body still reacts—anxiety floods your system, rage appears out of nowhere, or you shut down completely. Why doesn't knowing better help you feel better? In this transformative episode of Mindful Chats, Nicole sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Atara Parkinson to explore why traditional talk therapy often falls short for trauma and nervous system dysregulation. Atara reveals the revolutionary bottom-up approach that addresses your body first—through brainspotting, minerals, and nervous system regulation—so your mind can finally follow. She shares her own journey from debilitating chronic fatigue and postpartum rage to helping NICU moms and trauma survivors find regulation, resilience, and vitality. What You'll Learn * Why traditional "top-down" therapy (thinking your way through) doesn't work for trauma * The bottom-up approach: how addressing your body first helps your mind follow * What brainspotting is and how it untangles trauma without retelling your story * Why your body sends more signals to your brain than your brain sends to your body * The three nervous system states (green, yellow, red) and how to recognize which one you're in * How minerals impact anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, and emotional regulation * How chronic stress depletes minerals and keeps you stuck in survival mode * Simple tools to signal safety to your nervous system (breath work, peripheral vision, nature) * Why you're not stuck—and what one small change can shift everything Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for you if: * You've tried talk therapy but still feel stuck or dysregulated * You logically understand your trauma but your body still reacts * You experience anxiety, rage, irritability, or shutdown you can't explain * You had a NICU baby and feel hypervigilant or unable to relax * You deal with chronic fatigue, brain fog, rumination, or low motivation * You feel like you're in survival mode even when life looks stable * You're tired of being told "it's just anxiety" or "it's just depression" * You want to understand the physiological roots of your mental health struggles * You're interested in minerals, nervous system work, or integrative approaches * You're overwhelmed and need one simple place to start More about our guest Atara is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and has been practicing in the field of mental health for 14 years. She's continued her education by becoming a certified integrative practitioner. Her current passions include holistic healing, supporting postpartum mamas, Brainspotting, therapeutic intensives and educating on the role of minerals for brain health and nervous system regulation. Revitalization and rebalancing client's are core goals in Atara's work. Resources Work With Atara: * Website: ataraparkinson.com [https://www.ataraparkinson.com/] * Instagram: @atara.parkinson [https://www.instagram.com/atara.parkinson?igsh=MTY5bjd4M3Qwdjg0dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr] * YouTube: @ataraparkinson [https://www.youtube.com/@ataraparkinson] * Learn more about Atara's free resources and services here [https://www.ataraparkinson.com/contact]. Special Offer for Mindful Chats Listeners: Nicole's Nervous System Reset Program is now open for enrollment. Get $100 off your first session when you mention "Mindful Chats" when booking. Learn more and get started: mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset [https://mindfulhealth.biz/nervous-system-reset] Connect: * Instagram: @mindfulhealthnyc [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulhealthnyc/] * DM Nicole what resonated with you from this episode