Ep. 107 - Living With Stress, Understanding the Nervous System, and Learning To Regulate Your Body

In this episode of the Hybrid Healing Hour, we sit down with Jennifer Mendel, who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since her diagnosis in 2011, for a personal conversation about MS, stress, and the powerful connection between the brain and body. Even though we discuss MS specifically, this conversation proves worthy of any autoimmune, neurological, chronic illness or high-stress lifestyle.  The episode begins with a straightforward explanation of multiple sclerosis, including how the immune system damages myelin—the protective covering around nerve fibers—and why MS can produce such a wide range of neurological symptoms.  From there, we break down the autonomic nervous system, exploring the differences between the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response and the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response. Jennifer shares how she has learned to recognize when her nervous system is becoming overwhelmed and how periods of stress can influence the way she experiences her MS symptoms.  But stress isn't always negative. Can excitement, anticipation, travel, relationships, or even something you genuinely look forward to still activate the nervous system? Jennifer discusses how she's learned to recognize these signals and find a better balance between enjoying life and listening to her body.  They also explore practical strategies Jennifer has used to help regulate her nervous system, including breathing, mindfulness, movement, rest, setting boundaries, and recognizing early warning signs before her body demands that she slow down.  Whether you're living with MS, managing another chronic condition, or simply interested in understanding how stress affects the body, this episode offers a relatable look at nervous-system regulation, resilience, and learning to listen to what your body is telling you.

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