Rest, rituals, and nervous‑system awareness can help people reclaim a sense of self

Dr. Stephanie Steele‑Wren of Psychology Works joins host Michael Millward for a deeply human conversation about identity, burnout, neurodivergence, and the small, practical shifts that help us reconnect with who we really are.

Drawing on nearly twenty years in psychology, Dr. Stephanie explains how chronic stress keeps the nervous system in permanent “on mode,” why this erodes both physical and mental wellbeing, and how simple, accessible emotional‑decompression techniques can reset the brain throughout the day.

They explore:

• How neurodivergence shaped Dr. Stephanie’s career and inspired her private practice.
• Why “reclaiming yourself” is less about grand life changes and more about intentional micro‑moments.
• The link between physical exhaustion, nervous‑system overload, and mental‑health decline.
• Everyday decompression strategies — from stepping outside for 30 seconds to playing a quick game of Mahjong Solitaire.
• The importance of hobbies and self‑connection rituals in rediscovering identity beyond job titles, parenting roles, and societal expectations.
• How becoming a parent reshapes identity, and why many adults struggle to name a single thing they do just for themselves.

This episode is warm, insightful, and full of relatable moments — including Dr. Stephanie’s reflection that “rest doesn’t have to be a marathon… it can be sprinting rests,” and Michael’s realization that his quick gaming breaks are nervous‑system resets.

Discover more about Stephanie and Michael at Abeceder.co.uk

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