When people think about stress management, it’s often through the lens of “getting rid of stress.” But stress itself isn’t the problem, and in many ways, it actually helps move us forward. The problem is staying stuck in stress all day long without giving your body moments to recover. Learning how to bring yourself back to center before overwhelm takes over is essential, and it starts with nervous system regulation practices you can easily do every day.
My guest today is Dr. Kathleen Kelley, a professor of physical therapy, board-certified neurological clinical specialist, certified yoga and meditation teacher, and life coach. She draws on her extensive experience and education in her coaching practice, helping busy clinicians and high-achieving professionals use simple regulation tools to feel more grounded, calm, and in control of their nervous systems.
In this episode, we discuss Dr. Kelley’s many practical nervous system regulation techniques, why stress release matters more than avoiding stress altogether, and the connection between regulation, emotions, and creating intentional change in your life.
This conversation is an invitation to notice how often you give yourself moments of pause, care, and reconnection throughout the day, and to consider how you may be able to give yourself more. The key to a more spacious life is practicing these small moments of regulation and self-connection one day at a time. Let’s get started!
What you’ll learn:
- Simple nervous system regulation tools and techniques that can be used on the fly
- Why nervous system regulation happens through small moments of reconnecting with yourself throughout the day
- How taking care of yourself helps you feel better while also modeling regulation for others
- The neuroscience behind why dysregulation cuts you off from clear thinking
- How manifesting works as a combination of attention, intention, and aligned action that primes the nervous system
You can read the full show notes here.
About Dr. Kathleen Kelley
Dr. Kelley is a professor of physical therapy at Quinnipiac University. She has taught neurologic rehabilitation, balance, falls, and vestibular dysfunction. Currently, she teaches both gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Dr. Kelley received her BS in physical therapy from the University of Connecticut, her MS in neurology from Boston University, and her Doctorate in education from the University of Sarasota. She is also a board-certified neurological clinical specialist (emeritus), certified yoga and meditation teacher, and a certified Life Coach. Dr. Kelley’s passion for neurology, brain health, wellness, and self-care led her to dive deeply into the neuroscience of stress, stress management, and best practices for brain health. Dr. Kelley applies modern neuroscience to develop practical tools for regulating the nervous system for both educators and clinicians. When not teaching, you can find Dr. Kelley on her yoga mat, walking her beloved rescue dog Corkey, or knitting while watching reruns of Star Trek.
Website: kathleenkelleycoaching.com
Instagram: instagram.com/kathleenkelleycoaching
Facebook: facebook.com/kathleen.kelley.coaching
Free Session: calendly.com/kathleenkelleycoaching/45-minute-stress-assessment
Processing Feelings Exercise: youtube.com/watch?v=h6glPua5gOw
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Did you know that I’m gathering a small group of coaches to work with you privately this summer? If you’re ready to reset your business, nail your messaging, or get clear on your offer and price point to make client enrollment easier, this is perfect for you. Enrollment is by application only. Please email team@mollyclare.com with the subject “Summer Group” to request more information.