In this episode, I chat with Dr. Shana Johnston, a family physician with over 25 years of experience in diverse medical settings. Dr. Johnston brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring personal journey that weaves through the complexities of Western medicine, holistic health, and personal resilience. Dr. Johnston opens up about her unique understanding of disease—or as she prefers, “dis-ease”—which she believes stems from trapped energy due to emotional repression. She shares her practices for emotional release and the critical importance of noticing symptoms of burnout, particularly in our hustle culture. Her candid recounting of leaving her medical practice, surrendering to the unknown, and discovering more fulfilling opportunities sets the stage for profound insights into self-care and spiritual connection. We dive into key themes like the difference between productivity and purpose-driven work, redefining self-worth beyond traditional societal pressures, and nurturing one’s spiritual and emotional well-being. Dr. Johnston’s thoughtful reflection on navigating perimenopause and menopause, while developing an “inner wise woman,” will resonate deeply with anyone going through these life stages. Dr. Johnston also discusses her transition from clinical practice to creating communal spaces for women’s health and empowerment, such as her “Connecting in Community” group medical visits and online workshop “Menopause: Let’s talk about it.” Her journey illustrates the importance of making mindful, small consistent changes, and the essential nature of rest and alignment with natural cycles, especially for women. Join us for an enlightening conversation about holistic health, emotional liberation, and the courage to embrace uncertainty and change. Dr. Johnston’s experience and expertise provide essential insights into wellness practices that can help us all navigate our chaotic world with grace and resilience. Connect with Dr. Shana Johnston and find out more about her upcoming workshop and other resources: Website – drshanajohnston.com Instagram – @drshanajohnston Facebook – Dr. Shana Johnston Something to Think About: 3 Key Takeaways & Questions for Self-Reflection  Process Emotional Energy – Dr. Shana Johnston discussed the critical importance of processing and releasing emotional energy. She views disease as “dis-ease,” stemming from trapped energy due to emotional repression. For her, emotional release through tears is an essential practice to maintain balance and well-being. What is one method you can adopt to effectively process and release your emotions to prevent them from becoming trapped energy in your body?  Mindfulness and Self-Care – Dr. Johnston emphasized the value of small, consistent changes in daily habits to improve well-being instead of making drastic shifts. Practices like setting aside personal time, engaging in meditation, or simply pausing to breathe are suggested as effective ways to incorporate mindfulness into your routine. How can you integrate a simple mindfulness practice into your daily routine to enhance your self-care and emotional balance?  Community and Support – Another critical takeaway from Dr. Johnston’s insights is the significance of community support in maintaining well-being. She believes that collective energy can impact personal rejuvenation, and conscious choice in social interactions is crucial. How can you foster a supportive community or network to enhance your emotional and mental well-being, and what steps can you take to consciously choose positive social interactions? A Few Self-Care and Emotional Wellness Tips You’ll Hear in this Episode:  Embrace Emotional Release: Dr. Johnston shares the profound impact of processing emotions to release trapped energy. She mentions her personal practice of using tears as a cleansing process.  Noticing Dysregulation: Recognizing signs of burnout and emotional dysregulation is vital. Dr. Johnston emphasizes this as the first step towards integrating self-care into a hectic lifestyle.  Surrender and Trust: Learn about the power of surrendering and trusting in life’s process. Dr. Johnston narrates her journey of leaving her medical practice and finding new, fulfilling work opportunities.  Spiritual Connection: Dr. Johnston underscores the importance of having a strong spiritual connection and trust in a higher power or the universe, especially during challenging times.  Small, Consistent Changes: Instead of massive life overhauls, Dr. Johnston advocates for small, daily changes such as setting aside personal time and incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation.  Mindfulness and Presence: Discover the significance of mindfulness in reducing stress and preventing burnout. Simple practices like breathing exercises or taking a moment to pause can have profound benefits.  Redefining Productivity: Shift your mindset from traditional productivity to purpose-driven contributions. Dr. Johnston discusses balancing service with alignment rather than duty and exhaustion.  Navigating Menopause: Gain insights on managing menopause and perimenopause. Dr. Johnston shares personal strategies, emphasizing the wisdom and empowerment that come with this life stage.  Cyclical Nature: Learn about syncing with natural cycles like the moon for better rest and alignment, which can mitigate the constant demands of productivity.  Community Support: The episode highlights the importance of community, especially for women. Dr. Johnston discusses her transition from practice to creating supportive communal spaces.  Breaking Societal Conditioning: Dr. Johnston addresses the pressures women face to prioritize others over themselves, advocating for self-care and breaking away from societal conditioning, especially during menopause.

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