Our brains and bodies are constantly being bathed in neurochemicals and neuromodulators. We can bathe ourselves in cortisol, norepinephrine, and stress hormones, or we can bathe ourselves in dopamine and oxytocin, relaxation and love hormones.   We can strategically engage our neurochemistry to help us feel better and enjoy our lives more.   We can intentionally create a healthier “neurochemical soup.”   How? Yoga, mindfulness, hand-to-heart, self-compassion, gratitude, awe, wonder, nature, wildflowers, the ocean, the woods, and coaching-- they all influence the release of neurochemicals and neuromodulators in a positive way.   We can make choices to practice more of these and set ourselves up for success. We can choose to make each day as healthy as possible by being mindful and intentional about our thoughts and actions so we can bathe our cells in a healthier neurochemical soup. We can choose NOT to add more struggle to the struggle. We can choose not to bathe our cells in extra stress.  Stress impacts neuromodulator release. Mindfulness releases a different, more flavorful soup. Mindful coaching optimizes the flavor of the soup. And retreats that offer both mindfulness and coaching have an even bigger, synergistic, impact. Kindness and self-compassion release a cascade of healing neurochemistry– dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.  Shame, blame, and guilt release cascades of stress hormones- norepinephrine, cortisol, and others. Which soup do you want to bathe your cells in? A 1% or 5% shift in the emotions you feel makes a big difference. We can train ourselves to look for good, we can pause, and take in the good in deliberately, with ALL of our senses.   This influences the release of neurochemicals and neuromodulators in a positive way.   A few practices that can help you try to create a more flavorful soup (all of which we share at our retreats and in Jessie's coaching) Start your day well - hand to heart Mudita- a Sanskrit practice of taking joy in others' joy Smiling Cultivating compassion Presence Loving-kindness practice Nature   What’s the status of your current neurochemical soup?  What are some of "the flavors" you are used to? Are there new flavors or recipes for the soup that you would like to try or change?  How might you change something to make your neurochemical soup taste better for you? We would love to help you create a more optimal neurochemical soup at the upcoming Mindful Healers Connect in Nature Retreat. All adults are welcome, bring your beloveds and friends. CME is available. You just might leave with the “lowest cortisol levels you have had in years.”  If you want to create a healthy neurochemical soup to bathe your cells in sign up to coach with me www.jessiemahoneymd.com.   Calm, contentment, and a clear and meaningful path forward are just a few sessions away. *Nothing in this episode should be considered medical advice #physicanburnout #physicanlifecoaching #stressless