🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode of Women Choosing Growth, host Tina Sue sits down with Natalie Baker, an expert in blending Eastern and Western psychology to help entrepreneurs regain control over their mental well-being. They dive deep into how stress impacts business owners and how your brain’s survival instincts may be working against you. Natalie shares actionable ways to train your brain, recognize stress patterns, and shift from overwhelm to focus—without sacrificing your success.

🗝️ Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Your Brain’s Stress Response: How your brain’s survival mode might be sabotaging your success.
• Why Entrepreneurs Mistake Stress for Productivity: The hidden dangers of the “always busy” mindset.
• Signs of Chronic Stress & Burnout: How to recognize when your stress response is in overdrive.
• Rewiring Your Brain for Regulation: Practical strategies to shift from reaction mode to strategic thinking.
• The Power of Boundaries & Routines: How small daily habits can prevent burnout.
• How Leadership Stress Affects Your Team: Why managing your own nervous system makes you a better leader.

✅ Actionable Takeaways:

1. Assess Your Stress Triggers: Take a self-check—are you reacting out of habit or actual danger?
2. Use Breathwork to Shift Your Brain: Try the 3-7 breathing technique (inhale for 3 seconds, pause, exhale for 7 seconds) to engage your nervous system’s calming response.
3. Challenge Your Fear-Based Thinking: When overwhelmed, ask yourself, "What’s the worst that could really happen?"
4. Create an End-of-Day Transition Routine: Whether it’s a walk, journaling, or setting digital boundaries, find a way to mentally “clock out” from work.
5. Recognize the Impact of Your Stress on Others: If you’re overwhelmed, your team and family feel it too. Leading from a place of calm benefits everyone.

💬 Notable Quotes:

• “Your brain is acting as if you’re about to die… but you’re not. It’s just a tough conversation, not a life-or-death moment.” – Natalie Baker
• “Many women entrepreneurs mistake their stress for motivation—when in reality, it’s just chronic fight-or-flight.” – Tina Sue
• “If you’re spreading your stress onto your team, you’re hijacking their ability to focus and perform.” – Natalie Baker
• “Taking care of your nervous system isn’t selfish—it makes you a better leader, partner, and entrepreneur.” – Natalie Baker

📌 Connect with Natalie Baker:

• Website: https://buddhistpsychotherapyny.com/
• Burnout Quiz: https://hbr.org/2023/04/a-two-minute-burnout-checkup
• Perceived Stress Scale: https://www.bemindfulonline.com/test-your-stress
• Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/neurofeedbacktrainingco/

🌟 Connect with Tina & Women Choosing Growth:

• Website: www.womenchoosinggrowth.com
• Coaching & Free Resources: https://www.tina-sue.com/free-resources
• Strategic Shift Playbook: https://www.tina-sue.com/Unlock_secret_video
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenChoosingGrowth