022 The Truth About Nervous System Regulation

In this episode of Healing After the Hard Stuff, Anna is joined by Claire Downham for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, breakdown, identity, and what happens when the version of success you’ve been chasing turns out not to be enough.Clare shares the story of walking out of her role as a primary school head teacher and never returning, after years of high achievement, external striving, and pushing herself beyond her limits. What followed was a long and difficult recovery, misdiagnosis, deep exhaustion, and eventually, a very different understanding of success, self-worth, and wellbeing.Together, Anna and Clare explore the pressures placed on high achievers, the conditioning many of us carry from childhood, and how burnout can become the beginning of a more truthful and peaceful way of living.In this episode, we discuss:Clare’s experience of burnout and leaving her career in educationThe crash that came after years of striving and external validationWhy reaching the “top” didn’t bring fulfilmentThe link between childhood conditioning and high achievementThe reality of burnout recovery and why it can’t be rushedMisdiagnosis, exhaustion, and the limits of traditional approachesClaire’s journey into hypnotherapy and later, the Three PrinciplesWhat it means to live more presently and with less self-judgementHow success changes when your wellbeing is no longer dependent on achievementKey Takeaway:Sometimes the breakdown is not the end. It is the moment life forces you to stop chasing, stop proving, and start listening. Beneath the striving, the pressure, and the exhaustion, there is still something whole within you.About Claire:Clare Downham works with high achievers who are struggling with pressure, overthinking, burnout, and the weight of trying to hold everything together. Her work is grounded in the Three Principles and helps people reconnect with a more peaceful, present, and sustainable way of living.Follow Links:Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:https://influentialbreathwork.com/nervouscertFollow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠ Follow Clare DownhamWebsite: https://claredownham.comInstagram https://wwwinstagram.com/claredownhamcoachLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-downham-coach/

This episode introduces the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification, focusing on the pressure model and its importance in managing stress and pressure in modern life. Anna Parker-Naples shares insights on nervous system health, breathwork techniques, and how this training can empower coaches, therapists, and healers to support clients effectively. Key topicsThe pressure model and its application in stress managementBreathwork techniques for nervous system regulationThe importance of understanding physiology in coachingHow modern life impacts nervous system healthThe structure and content of the certification courseFollow Links:Sign up for the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification  and our Founding Cohort here:https://influentialbreathwork.com/nervouscertFollow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠

Anna Parker-Naples hosts Jodi Lovelock to discuss nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, and embodiment practices. They explore how healing from complex trauma can transform lives and empower self-love.Key TopicsNervous system regulation and its importanceTrauma and complex healing journeysEmbodiment practices like breathwork and somatic workFollow Links:Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:⁠⁠https://www.influentialbreathwork.com/regulation⁠⁠Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠Follow Jodi Lovelock:https://www.lovelockscounselling.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/jodi_lovelock_therapisthttps://www.facebook.com/jodi.lovelock

Show Notes:In this solo episode, Anna shares a real-time reflection from a full-on season of life, balancing family commitments, travel, and work, without tipping into burnout. She explores how understanding and supporting your nervous system changes everything during high-pressure periods, and why so many people today are feeling constantly frazzled or depleted.Anna introduces her Nervous System Intelligence Test, designed to help coaches, therapists, and healers assess their knowledge and spot gaps in supporting clients effectively. She also reveals details of her upcoming Nervous System Coach Certification, a practical, breath-led training rooted in her PRESSURE Model™️, created to help you work safely and confidently with stress, activation, and shutdown states.If you’ve noticed clients struggling to integrate mindset work, or you’re feeling stretched yourself, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what’s really going on beneath the surface, and what to do about it.Key Topics:Managing intense life seasons without burnoutWhy nervous system regulation is foundational to healing and coachingThe risks of “buzzword” knowledge without depthHow stress and shutdown both signal dysregulationIntroducing the Nervous System Intelligence TestA first look at the new Nervous System Coach CertificationLinks & Resources:Take the Nervous System Intelligence TestJoin the Nervous System Coach Certification (launching March 30)Share the Podcast:If this episode resonated, share Healing After the Hard Stuff with someone who needs support right now.Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠

In this episode of Healing After the Hard Stuff, I’m joined by Louise Fernando for an honest conversation about two deeply challenging experiences: burnout and bereavement.Louise shares how burnout showed up for her twice, despite outward success, and how both burnout and grief forced her to slow down and reassess what success truly means.We talk about the hidden cost of overachieving, the pressure to keep going even when you're exhausted, and why healing from both burnout and loss requires space, patience and honesty with ourselves.What burnout can really look like behind the scenesThe physical and emotional impact of overworking and overgivingWhy building a business doesn’t automatically change old patternsHow grief affects people differently and why it cannot be rushedThe importance of nervous system regulation and emotional processingRedefining success beyond constant productivityBe patient with yourself.Healing takes time, and trying to bypass pain usually means it shows up somewhere else later. Giving yourself space to feel, rest and process is not weakness, it’s part of the healing.Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠Follow Louise Fernando on:https://www.louisefernando.com/https://www.instagram.com/louise_fernandowww.linkedin.com/in/louise-fernando-ba0633144https://amzn.eu/d/bMpt5yD - book is co-authored Transforming Pain Into Purpose: Inspiring Tales of EmpowHERmenthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4hpV2MXOME7rovipEnFb3T?si=06af4489b3654842 The House of Expansion

Anna Parker-Naples shares her personal journey through grief, the importance of nervous system regulation, and how understanding trauma can aid in healing. She discusses her upcoming certification course on nervous system regulation, offering insights for coaches, HR professionals, parents, and caregivers.Nervous system regulation and its importancePersonal experiences of grief and lossUpcoming certification course on trauma and regulationThe impact of trauma on mental and physical healthTakeawaysUnderstanding and regulating the nervous system is crucial for mental health.Grief manifests physically and emotionally, requiring compassionate acknowledgment.The upcoming certification offers in-depth training for trauma-informed care. Allowing oneself to feel and process grief is essential for healing.Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:⁠⁠https://www.influentialbreathwork.com/regulation⁠⁠Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠

In this heartfelt interview, Lucy Childerley shares her personal healing journey through fertility struggles, grief, and hormonal health, emphasizing the importance of nervous system regulation and holistic health practices. Discover practical tips on nutrition, stress management, and self-care to support your well-being during challenging times.Resources:Website- https://lucychilderley.co.ukSocial media linkshttps://www.instagram.com/lucychilderleyclinicPersonal/business: https://www.facebook.com/lucy.Childerley  Business-https://www.facebook.com/lucychilderleyclinichttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-childerley?Free Resources- http://subscribepage.io/freeresourceslcc

Following her conversation with Shari Thompson, Anna shares practical reflections on supporting someone through a mental health crisis. Speaking from lived experience rather than clinical expertise, she explores how to show up steadily when someone you care about is struggling.Why professional support should be sought where possibleThe importance of listening rather than fixingHow to “sit in the mud” with someone without getting pulled underWhy “reach out if you need me” isn’t always enoughBeing specific and proactive in your supportRegulating your own nervous system while helping someone elsePresence Over SolutionsOften, someone in crisis simply needs to be heard. Reflect their experience back to them without escalating or trying to immediately solve it.Proactive Support MattersInstead of broad check-ins, ask specific questions. Instead of waiting for permission, take gentle action. Consistency helps someone feel less alone.Put Your Oxygen Mask On FirstSupporting someone can dysregulate you. Slow your breathing. Lengthen your exhales. A calm nervous system allows you to think clearly and show up steadily.Follow Links:Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:⁠⁠https://www.influentialbreathwork.com/regulation⁠⁠Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠

In this heartfelt interview, Shari Thompson shares her personal journey through grief, trauma, and healing, focusing on her experiences with suicide and the importance of embodiment and nervous system regulation. Anna Parker-Naples guides the conversation towards understanding how body-based support and self-awareness can transform pain into power.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning01:15 Shari's Journey with Suicide and Relationships07:01 Healing and Business Transformation10:06 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth12:13 The Impact of External Factors on Mental Health16:18 Understanding Human Design and Personal Empowerment19:44 Supporting Others in Crisis23:08 Patterns and Recurrences in Life Experiences28:15 Embracing Breathwork and Personal Growth30:14 Calibrating Life's Challenges32:09 Purpose-Led Work and Healing34:15 The Importance of Body-Based Support36:25 The Limitations of Traditional Therapy38:43 Processing Emotions and Trauma40:11 The Reality of Breathwork Sessions42:21 The Problematic Nature of Trauma Sharing44:38 Empowerment Through Embodiment46:43 Supporting Others in Crisis48:51 The Ongoing Journey of HealingFollow Links:Join the Nervous System Regulation Wait List here:⁠⁠https://.influentialbreathwork.com/regulation⁠Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠Follow Shari Thompson here:W: www.thehdbiz.comFB: www.facebook.com/TheHumanDesignBiz/FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sovereignandshadow INSTA: www.instagram.com/thehdbiz/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@thehdbiz TT: www.tiktok.com/@thehdbiz PIN: www.pinterest.co.uk/TheHDBiz/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/sharilouisethompson/ 

In this solo episode, Anna reflects on betrayal, a theme touched on in her recent conversation with Ebonie Allard.Whether in business, friendship, romance or the workplace, betrayal can feel destabilising. It shakes our sense of belonging, safety and trust, often triggering a deep nervous system response.But beneath the pain, there’s an invitation to rebuild something powerful: self-trust.Why betrayal activates a primal survival responseHow rejection can reopen old woundsThe difference between trusting others and trusting yourselfThe intuitive signals we often ignoreWhy regulation comes before reactionHow betrayal can clarify your values and boundariesSelf-Trust FirstWe can’t control others. But we can strengthen our trust in ourselves.Where did you sense something wasn’t right?Where did you override your intuition?Rebuilding that inner knowing is part of healing.It’s Bigger Than One EventBetrayal often reactivates older experiences of abandonment or not being enough. These patterns can live in the body, which is why deeper emotional and somatic processing can be so important.Follow Links:Find out about the Nervous System Regulation Coach Certification here:⁠⁠https://www.influentialbreathwork.com/regulation⁠⁠Follow Anna Parker-Napleson Instagram:⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/healingafterthehardstuff⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/annaparkernaples⁠⁠LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaparkernaples⁠⁠