Living in the world right now can feel overwhelming, especially when every news alert seems like another crisis demanding your attention– the news can feel like both a moral obligation and a fast track to burnout. If you find yourself caught between wanting to stay informed and feeling completely dysregulated by constant alarming updates, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the news is designed to activate your stress response
• The difference between staying informed and perpetuating dysregulation
• The framework: only consume information proportionate to your ability to take action
• Small, meaningful actions that support both nervous system health and social change

3 Takeaways:

1. News media is designed to dysregulate you.
2. Match information consumption to your capacity for action.
3. Caring about the world and protecting your nervous system aren't mutually exclusive.

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Websites to find local ways to serve:

1. JustServe (justserve.org)
   • What it is: A community service platform that connects volunteers with projects from non-profits, faith-based groups, and community organizations. It's very project-oriented, making it easy to find one-time events or short-term needs.
2. VolunteerMatch (volunteermatch.org)
   • What it is: One of the largest and most popular volunteer search engines. You can filter opportunities by location, cause (e.g., Animals, Arts & Culture, Seniors), and skills you want to use. They also list virtual and remote opportunities.
3. Idealist (idealist.org)
   • What it is: While also a major hub for nonprofit jobs and internships, Idealist also has a powerful search function for volunteer opportunities. It's excellent for finding roles that might involve more specific skills or leadership, like serving on a board.
4. Points of Light (pointsoflight.org/volunteer)
   • What it is: A global organization that promotes volunteering. Their website has a search function that aggregates opportunities from various partners, allowing you to find projects in your local area.
5. Meetup (meetup.com)
   • What it is: While not exclusively for volunteering, Meetup is an excellent tool for community involvement. You can find groups dedicated to local clean-ups, community gardening, social advocacy, or simply connecting with neighbors who share your interests.

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Looking for more personalized support?

• Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)
• Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)
• Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!

*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.

Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcast

Email: amanda@riseaswe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

When school ends and summer begins, many parents expect a break—but what often comes instead is a spike in stress. In this episode, we explore why summer can feel more dysregulating than restful and how to support your nervous system through the transition. Learn how small, intentional shifts can help you move through this season with more calm, connection, and compassion—for yourself and your kids.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the transition into summer can overwhelm your nervous system
• How loose rhythms, not rigid routines, support regulation for both you and your kids
• What co-regulation looks like in everyday moments (yes, even when it’s chaotic)
• Why repair after rupture is more important than getting it “right” all the time
• Simple somatic tools to anchor your body in overstimulating moments

3 Takeaways:

1. Loose Rhythm Regulates: A flexible but predictable rhythm can soothe your nervous system and create calm for your kids.
2. Regulation Doesn’t Have to Be Quiet: Even brief body-based practices—like shaking, orienting, or a breath reset—can make a real difference.
3. Repair Builds Safety: You don’t have to be perfect—just willing to come back and reconnect when things go sideways.

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Looking for more personalized support?

• Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)
• Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)
• Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!

*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.

Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcast

Email: amanda@riseaswe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise

This is a simplified version of the conversation we had last week about how it's common for trauma survivors to feel anxious or scared when they finally experience moments of calm or regulation. This episode explores why this paradoxical response happens and offers gentle ways to help your nervous system learn that regulation doesn't have to mean danger. We dive into the "safety-danger equation" and how to build your capacity for feeling safe, one small moment at a time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your nervous system might interpret safety as a threat after trauma.
• How past experiences can make you feel like you've "lost your ability to protect yourself" when you relax.
• Practical strategies to start feeling safer with regulation, even when it’s uncomfortable.

3 Takeaways:

1. Feeling anxious when calm isn't a sign you're broken; it's a learned protective response from past trauma.
2. Your nervous system is always balancing "cues of safety" against "cues of danger"—trauma can make safety feel unfamiliar and thus threatening.
3. You can teach your nervous system that safety is okay by starting with small, anchored moments of regulation and validating your protective instincts.

—

Looking for more personalized support?

• Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)
• Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)
• Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!

*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.

Website: https://www.riseaswe.com/podcast

Email: amanda@riseaswe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaontherise/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaontherise