14. Hack Your Brain into Happiness

Getting into our brain.... discussing ways to boost those overall "feel good" hormones and hack our way into experiencing happiness! In this epsidode: >Recap of recent challenges >Mental Health Awareness >Diving into the neurotransmitters and how they influence us daily >Understanding Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins >Taking action to naturally boost our hormones to feel more positive emotions and sensations >Assessing the self and asking what is needed to show up today as the best version of you For more: Withkaitlyn.com @with.kaitlyn -Instagram With Kaitlyn LLC- Facebook Page @withkaitlyn -YouTube

In honor of my daughter’s birthday…This episode is dedicated to my daughter who is a whole 2 years old!  This week I discuss and share my birth story which I have never really shared before!  I share: >My personal experiences leading up to birth >Details of my labor and delivery >What time my baby was born along with her weight and length >Things that helped me like Hypnobirthing >How I felt right after delivery >My support team >What it was like becoming a new mom >Experiences in the days that followed giving birth I reflect and discuss my 12 favorite *simple* moments of motherhood that have really stood out to me these past 2 years! Get to know what really holds a special place in my heart! I give 5 tips for YOU….(That anyone can benefit from) I share what has helped me these past 2 years and how I learned to love this new version of myself through things like acceptance, affirmation, following passions, and regulating my own thoughts and feelings. For more: Come say Hey on Social Media @withkaitlyn  Check out my blog for all things lifestyle, mental health and wellness Withkaitlyn.com Join me as I share wellness and Vlog/Lifestyle videos on YouTube (Subscribe!) @withkaitlyn

Although this is a pregnancy/personal focused episode, this is my story so far and I feel the tips I talk about will give anyone something to walk away with after listening. Also I elaborate on intuition, mindset and visualization! All things Pregnancy and Tips: -Recapping the first trimester of pregnancy: How I have been feeling, cravings, and fun stories -How we found out we were expecting -My thoughts on gender reveal -How we came up with my daughter's name and how we came up with our 2nd child's name -Pregnancy Tips that I found helpful to remind myself of which most can be applied to anyone at anytime! I also talk about intuition and the power of visualization: -How to visualize what you want in life and become clear on it! -How to shift the narrative (storytelling) in your mind to a more positive one -How to let your intuition guide you and hearing your inner voice -Creating a vision board and how to visualize in your mind Resources: Website and Blog- With Kaitlyn YouTube Channel (Subscribe for more!)- @withkaitlyn > How to Create a Safe Space in your Mind -Blog post on visualization > 7 Steps to Create a Safe Space in your Mind -Visualization Video Instagram- @with.kaitlyn Facebook Page- With Kaitlyn LLC

I'm back! Excited to kick off season 2 of the podcast talking about living life feeling lighter; my whole life's mission is to help others lift off as much of the heavy burdens life tends to throw at us and to walk through this journey of life feeling like our best self! I discuss life updates, like our big family news, and what has been going on in my life the last few months as to why I took an unexpected break. I then go into discussing the 13 ways I have reclaimed happiness in my life and what I have always returned to when feeling down. These are simple but so important to remember. It has inspired me to return to them and to continue living my life as a growing, ever-evolving person striving to be her highest self which I hope inspires you to do the same. I hope this sparks some action steps for you to take to reclaim your power and take happiness each day into your own hands. If you enjoy the podcast please rate and review! I'd love your feedback and support! Resources: Withkaitlyn.com Instagram- @with.kaitlyn YouTube- With Kaitlyn

In this episode I dive deep into 10 tips to live your life feeling lighter, the very meaning of the Podcast! With the holidays here, anxiety and depression rates tend to be running high. Please seek professional help for further support if needed. You are not alone and there are people that can help guide you back to your light. I go into ways you can physically shift your mindset and take action on living life with more positive emotions and experiences as well as ways you can shift your inner world! Affirmation: I choose my reaction to life. Be sure to check out: 5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety & Stress this Holiday Season Episode 7-In the Here and Now for more on coming back to the present moment  Youtube Channel Videos~ Morning Meditation Guided Meditation to Release & Let it Go Wind Down Meditation for Sleep/Rest Creating a Safe Space in your Mind withkaitlyn.com

Discussed in this episode: -Having fun in your daily life both small amounts of fun and the big moments of fun -Discovering and uncovering what you like to do for fun and what you find enjoyable -Thinking back to your childhood and taking a look at your inner child -Encouragement for trying something new  -Behavioral Activation (A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Technique) -When to plan out and arrange time in your day for fun -Mindset shifting  -Empowerment to live your life feelings of more joy This week's affirmation: I honor myself for bringing fun into my life. For more on adding fun into your life check out The Blog- Add in Fun Daily Tips for adding more fun into your life

What does your current routines, habits, schedules, and goals look like? How could it be better? "The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine." In this week's episode I discuss: >Assessing your current routine and schedule and how well it is working for you >Benefits of establishing a morning routine >Night time routines for better sleep and setting up the next day for success >How children thrive with routine >How to stay organized with a busy lifestyle >Scheduling and ways to stay on track >Communicating week events with others and ways to do so in order to decrease stress >Establishing a housework plan and meal plan >Goal setting and envisioning your future self >Understanding how habit forming is unique to everyone >Increasing self-awareness to understand how your daily routine and schedule will work best for you to live a more fulfilling life Affirmation: I am creating a life I love Check out more at withkaitlyn.com! Come say Hey on Instagram @with.kaitlyn and/or Facebook at With Kaitlyn LLC Please rate and review the Podcast if you haven't already. Your support means the world! Thank you for tuning in to the show!

Happy November! I hope everyone can reflect on the positives that have happened over the past month and set some goals for yourself for the upcoming weeks ahead. Sending you so much love and gratitude for tuning into the show! In this week's episode I discuss: >Mindfulness: What it truly means >How we get lost in our minds and lose the present moment throughout the day >Why mindfulness has been shown to scientifically improve your quality of life >The difference between mindfulness and meditation > Informal vs formal mindfulness practices >Encouragement for giving mindfulness a try Affirmation: I am Present Check out the blog on meditation and so much more at: withkaitlyn.com Come say hey over on instagram @with.kaitlyn and check out my facebook page at With Kaitlyn LLC to connect further.

October is National Depression Awareness Month! **Disclaimer and Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing this, please seek professional help and contact local resources. You matter. You are enough.  US National 24/7 Call and Text line: 988 Text TALK to 741741 It is okay to be not okay. It is okay to ask for help. It is okay to seek out mental health therapy. In this episode I discuss: >Symptoms of Depression >Sharing one of my personal experiences of dealing with depression and suicidal ideation >Being close to someone who is experiencing depression and ways to help >Treating depression as a social worker >Safety Planning  >Ways to take action to get help you need and how to help someone else >Spread awareness on depression and know you are not alone Affirmation this week: It is okay to ask for help.

In this episode we discuss Emotion Regulation and feeling your feelings… What is it? Breaking it down to gain a better understanding. In this episode I discuss: >Identifying emotions >Understanding emotions >Expressing emotions >Highly Sensitive Person >Acting opposite (DBT skill) >Mindfulness >Mental Noting (DBT skill) >Gaining control >Empowerment towards taking action Thank you for tuning in. Check out more at withkaitlyn.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnneddBc1a6I2UA8iRcDUA