Stress affects us all, in many different ways. What really causes stress? What are the symptoms? How can you reduce stress levels? In this episode, Dr. Juniper Martin taught us the C.L.E.A.R. lifestyle to reduce stress.

There are many source of stress, and dealing with them all can be difficult. Dr. Juniper, our Naturopath, said that reviewing our environments and accepting little changes in our everyday lives, we can reduce our stress, both mentally and physically. It can be extremely calming! What do Todd, Laura and Dr. Juniper do for stress? Listen in and learn Dr. Juniper’s C.L.E.A.R. stress reducing tips.

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Angele Van Allman of Annalise Wellness Village came in to explain why China and PGE of Portland are so bothered by  Mercury in Retrograde. Find out exactly what that means, plus Laura believes that she never has any expectations when she gets a special day with the boys. After Todd got back in his chair, he explained to her that she was very wrong.

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Dr. Aletha Solter joined us to talk about Aware Parenting. The founder of the movement spoke about the increase in children’s stress levels and how we as parents can help them deal with it. Plus how kids need connection before anything else and gave us a few tips on ways we can enhance our connection with our own kiddos. Also, children need more parenting not more discipline.

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Have you ever yelled at your kids? I have so I knew going into this show I would be a little apprehensive. However, I also knew I would get answers and I did from our guest Dr. Laura Kastner, author of Getting to Calm and a Psychologist who teaches up at UW in Seattle.  If you ever struggle with raising your voice at your children, get the tools to help you be a better parent on this episode.

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What a day, babysitter cancels, fight ensues with husband, and diarrhea takes over my little guy and grandma steps in to help…

Sometimes, support and trust come from the places you least expect them…an air-conditioned office (it was 100ish degrees in Portland today), a frantic grandma (who usually is overscheduled)  and a supportive village (husband, business partner, intern, etc…). 

What all of this made me realize is that we do really need a village to raise our children and that often times that village is right in front of us if we just ask… and trust. 

I have decided to live my life based on two mottos “it is all perfect” and “this too shall pass.”  We will see how it works out.

In the end, the day came to a close in a relaxed manner with the stress behind us… for now.

Love, Laura