The First Steps Out of Fight or Flight: What Healing Really Feels Like

EP:173 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m getting real about what it actually feels like when you start coming out of fight or flight—and why it often feels worse before it feels better. I walk you through my own journey of living in survival mode for years: high-risk pregnancies, preemies, solo parenting, Jonathan’s mental health struggles, his passing, and the long, messy process of grief. I share how year one after losing Jonathan was pure fight or flight, and how year two was a completely different kind of hard: deep exhaustion, brain fog, heaviness, and feeling “lazy” even though it was really my nervous system finally trying to land the plane. We’ll talk about: The real signs you’re coming out of fight or flight (and why it can mimic depression) Why you feel so tired, unproductive, and snappy with loved ones How your brain has been patterned to believe go-go-go = safety Why slowing down feels terrifying, “wrong,” or like you’re failing What your body actually needs: sleep, water, nourishment, gentle movement, and true rest How society and immediacy culture keep us stuck in overfunctioning and burnout. I’ll give you permission (and language) to tell your brain, “I am safe,” even when you’re resting on the couch and that inner critic is screaming “lazy.” This episode is your reminder that feeling heavy, tired, and low when you step out of survival mode does not mean you’re broken—it means your brain and body are recalibrating. If you’re ready to slowly step out of fight or flight, three to five percent at a time, this conversation will help you feel seen, understood, and not alone. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s been living in survival mode. If you’re ready for support in regulating your nervous system and stepping out of fight or flight, join Thrive or check out my on-demand courses to start building your real-life toolbox today. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode. Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com #FightOrFlight #NervousSystemRegulation #TraumaRecovery #GriefJourney #SoloParenting #AnxietySupport #BurnoutRecovery #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #SurvivalMode #EmotionalExhaustion #ParentingInSurvivalMode #BrookeWeinstein #ThriveLikeAParent #RestIsProductive #RegulateDontDominate

EP:172 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my dear friend Zabie Yamasaki – trauma-informed yoga educator, author, survivor advocate, and founder of Transcending Trauma Through Yoga. Zabie and I dive deep into what it really means to heal your nervous system, reclaim your body after trauma, and honor your capacity as a human, a parent, and a highly sensitive soul. Zabie shares her powerful story as a survivor of sexual trauma, her journey through grief, IVF, pregnancy loss, and her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and how trauma-informed yoga became both her personal lifeline and her professional calling. We talk about: The difference between traditional vinyasa yoga and trauma-informed yoga (and why language and choice matter so much) How trauma lives in the body through anxiety, insomnia, GI issues, and chronic burnout Why movement can be a core regulator and healer—and how to choose the right kind of movement for your nervous system on any given day Letting go of hustle and urgency and learning to live “real slow” instead of “real quick” Honoring your capacity, boundaries, and energy without shame Redefining success as softer mornings, presence with your kids, and a regulated nervous system If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve been in survival mode for years and didn’t even realize it” or “I don’t know how to listen to my body, I just keep pushing,” this episode will feel like a big exhale and a loving permission slip. If this conversation resonated with you: Screenshot this episode and tag me @brookeweinstn and Zabie @transcending_trauma_with_yoga on Instagram. Tell us your biggest takeaway. Share this episode with a friend who’s navigating trauma, grief, burnout, or motherhood and needs to know they’re not alone. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast – it helps this work reach more nervous systems that need it. #ThriveLikeAParent #TraumaInformedYoga #NervousSystemHealing #SomaticHealing #TraumaRecovery #GriefSupport #IVFJourney #BurnoutRecovery #HighlySensitivePerson #MentalHealthPodcast #AnxietyHealing #ParentingWithTrauma #HolisticHealing #YogaForTrauma #RegulateYourNervousSystem #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalHealth #SelfRegulation #HealingAfterLoss #ProtectYourEnergy

EP:171 This solo episode has been a long time coming. I’m finally sitting down to walk you through what the last few months have really looked like behind the scenes — the baseball fields, the retreats, the business highs, the gut punches, and turning 40 in the most unexpectedly beautiful way. I take you with me through: Motherhood in the thick of it – Eli’s select baseball, Charlie’s umpiring journey, and what it’s been like to finally feel joy and “magic” again after years of grief. Big work seasons and leadership retreats – the conversations that lit my brain on fire, falling in love (again) with the business side of what I do, and why connecting with other women fills my cup. Mother Collective & Smarty Pants events – the deep, honest talks with women who are quietly suffering in their relationships, being called “crazy,” gaslit, and doubting their own reality. I share how that mirrors my past, and why self-worth and nervous system regulation are non‑negotiables. Trust, family, and my 40th birthday – the painful “no” from my family, the overwhelming surprise Carter planned with my best friends at Miraval, and what it brought up about being loved, chosen, and celebrated. Underneath all of it is this: learning to trust yourself, protect your peace, regulate your nervous system, and refuse to be spoken to or treated in ways that don’t feel safe or respectful. If this episode hits home, please: Share it with a friend who needs to hear they are not crazy and not alone.. Hit follow and leave a review so more parents can find this work. Screenshot and tag the show so I can see what resonated most and keep creating what you need. #motherhood #momlife #parenting #selfworth #nervoussystemregulation #mentalhealth #healing #griefjourney #toxicrelationships #gaslighting #marriage #relationshipadvice #baseballmom #anxiety #burnoutrecovery #boundaries #hashimotos #personaldevelopment #podcast

EP:170 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my client and friend Dr. Michael Braunstein to pull back the curtain on what it really looks like for a high-achieving husband, dad, and provider to work on his emotional regulation, marriage, and parenting. Michael and I talk about the invisible pressure so many men carry—being the provider, holding it all together, never showing they’re at capacity—and how that almost broke him, his marriage to Lindsay, and their blended family. We walk through: How their relationship slipped into loving but exhausting codependency—both over-giving, both resentful, and neither getting their needs met. The “fire hose” fights that built up over weeks of unspoken frustration and ended in late-night blowups. The way real-time support and regulation tools (like voice messaging instead of waiting for once-a-week counseling) helped them calm their nervous systems in the moment, not weeks later. How shifting from “fixing” to supporting with phrases like “I hear you,” “Thank you for sharing,” and “What do you need?” completely changed their communication We also go deep into: Their different parenting styles: Michael as the more boundaried, stern parent and Lindsay as the more emotional, nurturing parent—and why both are essential for healthy kids. Allowing kids to struggle, fail, and problem-solve, instead of lawnmower parenting everything away Navigating Lindsay’s Graves’ disease diagnosis, her near-bedridden season, Michael’s knee surgery, and how their new tools held their family together through it One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing Michael describe, in his own words, how regulation has given him more enjoyment—not just “better performance”: more enjoyment in his marriage, more enjoyment with his kids, and more peace inside his own brain. If you’ve ever wished your partner “got it,” or you’re a dad who’s exhausted from holding it all together but doesn’t want “traditional therapy,” this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and save this episode to come back to the tools Michael shares. 💌 Share this with a dad, partner, or husband who needs to hear another man talk honestly about mental health, marriage, and regulation. 🔁 Tag this episode in your stories and tell me your biggest takeaway—I do read them. ⬇️ Ready to work on your own regulation and family dynamic? Learn more about Thrive Like a Parent and my coaching offers in the show notes. #ThrivelikeaParent #EmotionalRegulation #MensMentalHealth #DadLife #MarriageSupport #ParentingTools #CodependencyRecovery #BlendedFamily #ADHDParenting #NeuroscienceBasedParenting #CalmNervousSystem #BurnoutRecovery #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #AnxietySupport #GravesDiseaseJourney #HighAchievingDads #RelationshipTools #BrookeWeinstein

EP:170 In this first part of my conversation on Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with longtime client Michael Braunstein—a former collegiate athlete, business owner, and dad of four in a blended family. From the outside, everything looked “great,” but inside, Michael was completely maxed out. He found himself snapping at his kids, drowning in pressure, and even wondering how some dads reach the point of walking away. That breaking point ultimately led him to my work and the concept of regulation. In Part 1, we explore where Michael began: stuck in constant “fix it” mode, overwhelmed by life, and caught in a roller coaster inside his marriage. You’ll hear how understanding his gas-pedal brain, recognizing his own limits, and shifting from fixing to supporting opened a completely new path for him—one that changed the way he showed up for himself, his wife, and his kids. This episode sets the foundation for Michael’s transformation and gives a raw look into what happens before regulation tools begin to take hold. If you’ve ever felt like, “I love my family, but I can’t keep living like this,” Michael’s story will help you feel seen—and remind you that change starts with understanding your own brain. 👉 Ready to understand your brain, regulate your nervous system, and create a calmer home? Join Thrive or apply to work with me 1:1. #ThriveLikeAParent #DadMentalHealth #GasPedalBrain #ParentingTools #MarriageAfterKids #NervousSystemRegulation

EP:168 Hey Thrive fam, it’s Brooke! In this episode, I invite my amazing friend Dr. Sahar Martinez to dive deep with me into what it truly means to “thrive like a parent.” We get real (and share a lot of laughs) as we open up about our friendship, why vulnerability matters so much in both parenting and marriage, and how being authentic—even when it’s messy—can change the way we connect with our loved ones. We talk about the ups and downs of long-term relationships, the honest (and sometimes hilarious) moments of parenting, and how embracing our true selves liberates us and our kids. From healthy communication and setting boundaries to giving yourself grace for imperfect moments, Sahar and I share the hard-earned lessons that fuel stronger families and deeper self-acceptance. If you’re ready for unfiltered conversations, heartfelt advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s keep the conversation going—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow parents and friends! #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingPodcast #AuthenticParenting #Vulnerability #RealTalk #MentalHealthMatters #RelationshipGoals #ParentingJourney #MomLife #FamilyConversations #CandidParenting Tune in now for practical tips, a few laughs, and lots of heart. Together, we’re learning, growing, and thriving—one imperfect day at a time!   Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

EP:167 Ready to thrive through the holiday season? In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Maria Gonzalez, to get real about what makes the holidays so stressful, and more importantly, how you can reclaim joy and peace with practical, actionable strategies. We dive into why holidays can trigger so much sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, and people-pleasing, sharing honest stories from our experiences and those of our clients. You’ll learn why predictability matters for your brain, how to spot your own patterns, and techniques for real-time regulation when family chaos hits. Maria and I both get personal, revealing the boundaries we’ve set (and struggled with!), lessons on gift-giving, and the self-care routines that keep us—and our families—centered and grounded. My biggest wish for you is that you give yourself permission to honor what feels good and real this holiday season. Like I always say, you can’t control every detail, but you can learn to regulate, model self-care for your family, and say “no” without guilt! Want personalized support on your journey to a calmer, more joyful holiday? Reach out for one-on-one coaching—we’re running a special offer right now! Whether this is your first year working on healthy boundaries or you’re ready for next-level holiday wellness, Maria and I are here for you. Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com #HolidayStress #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingDuringHolidays #HolidayBoundaries #SelfCareTips #SensoryOverload #EmotionalRegulation #HolidayWellness #FamilyLife #SayNoWithLove #PodcastSummary #WellnessCoaching

EP:166 In this deeply moving episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Jessica Zucker, renowned psychologist and author, to break the silence surrounding women’s reproductive and maternal mental health. Together, we open up about the realities of pregnancy loss, grief, and the complexities of motherhood—topics that are so often left unspoken. As someone who has personally endured pregnancy complications and the heartbreak of loss, this conversation meant the world to me. Dr. Zucker honors us with her own powerful story, the inspiration behind her viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign, and her mission to dismantle stigma through storytelling and advocacy. We talk about what true healing looks like, the pressure to “move on,” and why no experience of motherhood is ever the same. If you've ever struggled in silence or felt alone in your journey, this episode is for you. Together, let’s normalize these conversations, support one another, and create a more compassionate world. 👉 Tune in now, share your story in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real, honest conversations about motherhood, mental health, and healing. #ThriveLikeAParent #WomensHealth #PregnancyLoss #MentalHealthMatters #MotherhoodJourney #RealTalk #DrJessicaZucker #IHadaMiscarriage #HealingTogether #BreakTheStigma #MomLife #Podcast #SupportMoms

EP:164 In Part 2 of my conversation with my dear friend, yoga therapist, and fellow widow, Julia Warren, we continue to open up about the raw and real experience of navigating life after loss. We go deeper into what it means to rebuild your identity, find your footing as a solo parent, and make empowered choices that prioritize true healing—not just survival. Together, we explore the emotional layers of grieving while raising children, maintaining your sense of self, and protecting your peace amidst outside opinions, business pressures, and the well-meaning but often overwhelming support of others. This episode sheds light on why authentic community matters, how to recognize when something isn’t aligned for your mental health, and the courage it takes to walk your own path when the world expects you to “be okay” before you are. If you’ve been searching for reassurance, connection, or permission to take healing at your own pace—this conversation is for you. You are not alone in this. If today’s episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need encouragement. I’d love to hear your story—connect with me on Instagram @BrookeWeinst and let’s continue building a supportive space, together. #HealingAfterLoss #ThriveLikeAParent #GriefSupport #Widowhood #authentichealing  Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com Listen in for real conversation, grounded guidance, and reminders that you are allowed to heal in your own time.

EP:163 In this episode of the Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I sit down with my dear friend Julia Warren, a yoga therapist and fellow widow, to share an honest, vulnerable conversation about navigating grief, solo parenting, and genuine healing after loss. We open up about what it really means to choose yourself during hard times, how to find strength through authenticity, and the importance of trusting your own journey—even when surrounded by judgment, business challenges, and well-intentioned but misguided support. Julia and I discuss our personal experiences with widowhood, the ups and downs of recovery, building stable homes for our children, and learning to set boundaries that protect our peace. Our talk gets real about the pitfalls of quick fixes, misleading promises in the wellness space, and why building an authentic, supportive community matters so much. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, wrestled with guilt, or doubted your own strength on the path to rebuilding your life, this episode is for you. Remember: you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help on the road to healing. If today’s conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need support. I’d love to hear your story—connect with me on Instagram @BrookeWeinst and let’s keep this community growing. #HealingAfterLoss #ThriveLikeAParent #GriefSupport #Widowhood #AuthenticHealing Listen in for real stories, uplifting advice, and resources to help you thrive through any season of life.