Posts by Brierley E. Horton
7 Ways to Lower Cortisol (Almost) Instantly

You may know cortisol as the stress hormone that increases belly fat. Well, it is that. But cortisol plays a role in a lot of other systems in your body—so when this stress hormone is chronically elevated it can do some serious damage. And interestingly, elevated cortisol is a marker for depression and other mental health conditions. In today’s episode, we explain how cortisol impacts your mental health, and then share 7 easy, yet science-backed ways to lower cortisol almost instantly.

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Brierley E. Horton
Why Spring Cleaning Is Important For Your Mental Health

If you’re anything like us, you love how a good spring cleaning feels after you’re done, but the process of doing it (and the anticipation of needing to do it) is overwhelming. As it turns out, Spring cleaning isn’t just good for your house’s aesthetic, it’s also good for your mental wellness. In today’s episode, Leslie Lehr, the fairy godmother for the modern-day superwoman, gives us simple 15-minute solutions for spring cleaning and organizing that will leave you feeling calm, de-stressed, and more productive.

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Brierley E. Horton
The Connection Between Seasonal Allergies and Mental Health

Seasonal allergies are about to hit their peak, if they haven’t already. Where we are in the Southeast, everything is coated with a thin layer of yellow pollen right now. Stuffy noses, sore throats, irritated eyes, and fatigue are all common for seasonal allergy sufferers. But could those seasonal allergies also be aggravating your mood? In this episode, we’re explaining the very real connection between seasonal allergies and mental health.

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Brierley E. Horton
7 Reasons To Take a (Guilt-Free) Mental Health Day

If it feels hard, even stressful, to take a mental health day, we see you. Turns out, according to a recent survey, 66% of respondents felt guilty taking one. Which brings us to—when do you really need a mental health day and when is it not worthwhile, or helpful? And how do you feel less guilty when you do take one? In today’s episode, we’re answering those very questions.

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Brierley E. Horton
Can Our Favorite TikTok Star Smell or Taste Yet? Her 1-Year Update

Losing taste and smell seems like a temporary inconvenience and side effect of COVID compared to the other potentially very serious health consequences. But for some, when taste and smell finally returns, it’s distorted. Last year we sat down with Nicole McLaughlin, chef and culinary Tik Tok star, and she talked candidly about how COVID changed her taste and smell. In today’s episode, she’s sharing her 1-year update. Has her taste and smell improved?

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Brierley E. Horton
7 Foods to Eat (or Drink) to Boost Your Focus

Our mind wanders nearly half of the time we’re awake—even when we’re focused on a task. And, I don’t know about you, but for us, it feels like it’s getting worse. Maybe it’s COVID, perimenopause, or aging. Whatever it is, it inspired us to explore how we might channel this brain fog and be productive. So, in today’s episode, we’re talking about focus and what to add to your diet for better attention and memory.

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Brierley E. Horton
The Big Life Change No One Talks About: Perimenopause - PART 2

You’ve surely heard of hot flashes—maybe even witnessed hot flashes or experienced them. But when it comes to menopause that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Turns out, what most of us think is menopause is actually perimenopause—the rollercoaster ride that leads up to the end of your reproductive years. In this episode, we talk with registered dietitian and menopause expert, Suzanne Henson, about the big life change that no one talks about. Suzanne also shares her own perimenopause story and how she’s using it to help others.

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Brierley E. Horton
The Big Life Change No One Talks About: Perimenopause - PART 1

You’ve surely heard of hot flashes—maybe even witnessed hot flashes or experienced them. But when it comes to menopause that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Turns out, what most of us think is menopause is actually perimenopause—the rollercoaster ride that leads up to the end of your reproductive years. In this episode, we talk with registered dietitian and menopause expert, Suzanne Henson, about the big life change that no one talks about. Suzanne also shares her own perimenopause story and how she’s using it to help others.

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Brierley E. Horton
The Post-Illness Depression Episode

Have you ever felt like you fell into a funk while you were sick? Then even after you physically recovered, you still feel a little blue, and are struggling to get back to your typical self? If so, you’re not alone. Not only is there an actual term for this, but Carolyn is in the thick of it right now and in true Carolyn fashion, she dug into the science behind the post-illness blues. In today’s episode, we talk about how those blahs after being sick are a real thing.

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Brierley E. Horton
Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Issue & What To Do About It

You asked, we’re delivering. This episode was requested by you—our podcast listeners. Whether you already knew that there’s a close connection between your thyroid function and mental wellness, or that’s news to you, that’s the topic of today’s episode. We explain how the two are connected, and explore different signs and symptoms of a thyroid imbalance. Plus, hear a few personal stories.

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Brierley E. Horton
Why Going Outside Is An Instant Mood Booster

We spend a lot of time indoors. In fact, statistics say we’re inside 87 percent of the day. But getting outside—even just for 5 to 10 minutes—has the power to be an almost instant mood booster and offers a whole host of other mental and physical perks. In today’s episode, we cover the mental health benefits of the great outdoors, as well as exactly how much time you need to spend outdoors, if one environment is better than another, and also how to bring the outdoors inside so you can reap some of the health perks when you’re stuck indoors - or if your not much of a nature person. 

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Brierley E. Horton
New Year's Resolution a Bust? Your Enneagram Number May Explain Why

Can your Enneagram number predict how successful you might be—or not be—when you’re making big health changes like New Year’s Resolutions? The Enneagram is a popular way to examine your personality type and grow self-awareness about everything from relationships to self-care, and even the dialogue you have with yourself each day. In today’s episode, we brought Enneagram guru (and registered dietitian) Jenna Braddock back to talk about approaching your New Year’s Resolutions based on your Enneagram number so that you can be more successful in meeting your health goals.

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Brierley E. Horton