End of year exhaustion or silent momentum?
Nov 30, 2024Each month, I’ll share neuroscience for your mind, medicine for your body, and somatics for your soul. Let’s cut through the noise as I tell you the truth about stress—and how to turn it into your greatest ally.
Your monthly practice
- A neuroscience insight to help you understand the brain.
- Actionable advice from a medical perspective
- A journaling prompt, reflection or somatic practice to help support your deeper connection to self
I was recently featured in ELLE talking about the collective end of year exhaustion. Changes in circadian rhythm, vitamin D deficiency, as well as cumulative unprocessed stress (and what a year it's been!) partly explain the common "why am I so tired". Understanding the "why", infused with compassion means we can translate hope into growth & action.
1. NEUROSCIENCE
Hope triggers the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine—a "feel-good" chemical—that boosts motivation and helps your brain turn positive thoughts into actions, connecting optimism with purposeful growth. Areas involved include the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NA) & prefrontal cortex (PFC).
2. BODY TALK
- 5min daily visualisation: make it vivid, make it real, tap into your senses. Visualising a hopeful future enhances activity in the prefrontal cortex and strengthens connections between the prefrontal cortex and the reward system. This synergy makes the brain more adept at translating hope into actionable steps.
- 5min appreciation: Pick one tiny thing you're grateful for now, re-experience that feeling in detail. Recreate the experience thereby flushing your system with feel good hormones & neurotransmitters. Smile.
3. SOULFUL CONNECTION
Journal or reflect on:
- What does exhaustion feel like in my body and mind?
- What small moments of hope or progress have I experienced this year, even amidst challenges?
- What do I crave most deeply for the year ahead? What small changes can I begin now to build momentum?
Next Step
Ready to experience the power of your breath? Discover how it can calm your mind, heal your body, and awaken your potential—join our next breathwork session by clicking here.
Called to go deeper?
As you reflect on what’s holding you back or what’s calling you forward, remember this: transformation starts with one small step. I’m here to guide you as you turn stress into strength and reclaim your power.
If you’re ready to go deeper, let’s connect. Whether it’s through a breathwork session, a personalised plan, or a conversation about what’s next for you, I’m here to help you succeed.
With Love,
Dr. Safia
Coach | Breathwork Facilitator | Doctor | Speaker
Bsc MBBS DCH DRCOG MRCGP MPH DipOccMed