10 Ways to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve

Research tells us that politics—and thinking about political events—can be harmful to our mental wellness. So how do we get through this current political season of life? And how do we navigate friendships when we don’t align politically? In today’s episode, friendship expert, fellow podcaster and book author, Danielle Jackson advises us on what to do—and what not to do.  Learn More About Our Guest    Danielle Bayard Jackson is a female friendship coach and educator who speaks nationally about the science of women’s platonic connections. She is also the author of Fighting for Our Friendships (May 2024).   Danielle’s coaching business, Friend Forward, is dedicated to teaching women how to create and maintain better female friendships, and her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, NBC News, Psychology Today, Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America, and a host of other media outlets. A former high school teacher, Danielle now uses her teaching skills and leverages her background to study what the latest research has to say about women’s cooperation, communication, and conflict.    As a member of the American Sociological Association, she uses the latest research to create tangible strategies to help women create more depth in their platonic relationships. Companies like TikTok, the NBA, NFL, and Etsy have all booked Danielle as a speaker to address the topic of connection psychology. She’s even served as Bumble’s resident friendship expert  and spokesperson for its new app Bumble for Friends.   Danielle shares her insight weekly on The Friend Forward Podcast, has several viral videos on social media, and has written for Insider and Harvard Business Review. You can learn more about Danielle and her work by visiting www.betterfemalefriendships.com.   Follow Danielle on Instagram and TikTok   Listen to our 2022 episode with Danielle:  Why Adult Friendships Are Always Unicorns and Rainbows     Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

You’ve likely heard about the dangers in some of your cookware and you may have even changed out a few for nontoxic pieces. But did you know there are other risky items you might want to swap out, too? Turns out, your kitchen is a major source of microplastics—food storage containers, of course, but also cooking utensils, sandwich bags, even certain sponges. In today’s episode, we’re talking about where those microplastics lurk, what the health effects of microplastics are, and how you can reduce your exposure with some simple swaps.   Studies Referenced Include:   Beyond the food on your plate: Investigating sources of microplastic contamination in home kitchens. A systematic review of microplastics emissions in kitchens: Understanding the links with diseases in daily life   Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

  The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining.     Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-life venting sessions with each other—AKA what we’re “so over”.     Vagina Valium - UPDATE!   Thank you for listening to Rant Therapy on the Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes and new rants on Tuesdays. For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

If you don’t know what the vagus nerve is, you have to listen to this episode. And if you do know what the vagus nerve is, you’ll really want to listen to this episode. Here’s why: the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating so many systems in our body, yet sustained periods of stress can lead to a dysfunctional vagus nerve that hinders your ability to de-stress when you need it most. The effects are mood changes, GI issues, and a whole list of others. In this episode, we talk about why a healthy vagus nerve is crucial and share 10 easy ways to stimulate your vagus nerve.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining.     Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-life venting sessions with each other—AKA what we’re “so over”.     Shoutout To Whole Foods!   Thank you for listening to Rant Therapy on the Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes and new rants on Tuesdays. For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions   To contact Lester -  [email protected]

Surely you’ve heard about weighted vests, right? It’s hard to miss the recent uptick in people buying and walking in weighted vests. But are they worth it? Do they help with weight loss, do they increase your fat burning, can they improve your bone health, or are they just a fad like Suzanne Somer’s Thigh Master once was? After we complained in a Rant Therapy episode about seeing them everywhere, we decided we needed to dig into the research and assess their legitimacy. We can’t wait to share what we found!     Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining.     Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-life venting sessions with each other—AKA what we’re “so over”.     What’s the latest topic for discussion? Vagina Valium   Thank you for listening to Rant Therapy on the Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes and new rants on Tuesdays. For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions   To contact Lester -  [email protected]

The location of your headache isn't a foolproof way to diagnose the cause, but it can be a good starting point for figuring out the root of the problem. Is the pain on the side of your head, at the back, throbbing around your hairline, or –perhaps the worst – in your eye. Today we’re sharing how the location of your headache pain can often be an indicator of what type of headache it is, what’s causing it, and best ways to manage the different types. Let’s dive in!    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining.     Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-life venting sessions with each other—AKA what we’re “so over”.     What is Brierley So Over? - Weighted Vests   Thank you for listening to Rant Therapy on the Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes and new rants on Tuesdays. For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message! [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions   To contact Lester -  [email protected]

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is something that affects both Carolyn and me in those cold dark months of the year. So it surprised us to find out that SAD starts setting in even before Halloween. In today’s episode we talk about what to look for if you think you’re suffering from SAD, including one early symptom that most people miss. Plus, find out what you can start doing now to improve how you feel in the upcoming months.   Light Box Recommendations Verilux Happy Light UV-free Lamp with 10,000 lux    Carex Sunlight Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp with 10,000 lux   Erligpowht Portable Therapy Lamp, UV-free with 10,000 lux Looking for high-quality dietary supplements?  Need recommendations for what to take? Check out the Happy Eating dispensary at Fullscript to see our dietary supplement recommendations and get 20% off every order. If you click on links we provide through Fullscript, we may receive compensation. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/happyeating    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  [email protected] Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions