Ever feel like your brain is working against you?

Like it’s throwing stress, anxiety, and self-doubt at you for fun? Same. But what if you could learn to outsmart it?

In this episode of Balancing Act, I take you through the highlights of everything I’ve learned so far on this podcast. I explore the science behind why we feel what we feel and share practical tips for navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. From stress and anxiety to self-esteem and sleep, this episode is packed with real advice and mindset shifts to help you thrive - in just one short episode instead of a dozen.

Follow Balancing Act's Instagram for bite-sized tips!

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🧠 Why social media makes you feel crappy—and how to handle it
💪 The science of stress and why it’s not all bad
💤 How to actually get better sleep (yes, it’s possible!)
❄️ The “dive reflex” trick that calms anxiety fast
🖤 How to challenge negative thoughts (and stop the spiral)
✨ Why affirmations only work if they’re authentic to YOU
🤔 How to new try strategies with an open mind
🍕 The frozen pizza analogy: Why “good enough” is sometimes perfect

Plus:
❤️ The importance of reaching out for help—and how to shift your mindset about asking for support
💌 The one thing almost everyone wishes they could tell their teenage self

This episode is your crash course in self-care, self-love, and learning to embrace imperfection. Grab a notebook, because you’ll definitely want to try some of these tips today.

Episodes Mentioned:
Filtered Realities: Navigating Social Media and Social Comparison with Dr. Michelle Solomon
Conquering Anxiety: Science-Backed Tools for Teens with Dr. Rachel Hutt
CREATE Better Sleep Habits: Teen Sleep Science and Strategies with Dr. Afolabi Brown
Navigating Stress: Dr. Lisa Damour's Tips for Teen Life
Don't Tell Me To Relax: Getting Real About Teen Mental Heath With Sophie Riegel
Working Through Depression: Science and Strategies for When You're Feeling Stuck
Unlocking CBT & DBT: Tools for Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Everything in Between

Stay tuned for:
Navigating Self Esteem with Hannah Leib
Decluttering with Susie Boutal

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: moorea@balancingact.life

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

What the heck is holistic wellness??

We’re so glad you ask!

In short, holistic wellness is an approach to health that addresses all aspects of a person’s wellbeing: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

In this episode of Balancing Act, I am joined by the Scarpello sisters, Taylor and Abby, to discuss everything holistic wellness and to explore practical holistic health skills for teens.

Taylor and Abby are the Co-founders of EMPWRD SOL, where they help individuals to discover and navigate mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical imbalances to encourage holistic healing. They’re also the co-hosts of a new podcast, Soul Over It, where they step outside of cookie-cutter approaches to health, and dive further into the “hidden truths” of wellness and empowerment.

This is an amazing episode for flushing out your holistic health toolbox. So grab a pen, some paper, or open your notes app and prepare to jot down whatever skills SCREAM YOUR NAME - and there’s a lot to choose from.

In this episode, we cover:

🤔 The basics of “holistic healing”

☀️ Easily accessible, scientifically based “bio hacks”

❤️ Realistically incorporating positive affirmations into your life

🧘 Breath work skills

🫐 Holistic nutrition

🔊 Sound healing

Resources Mentioned:

EMPWRD SOL Website
Soul Over It Podcast
EMPWRD SOL Resources

Follow EMPWRD SOL:

EMPWRD SOL Insta
EMPWRD SOL TikTok

EMPWRD SOL Email

Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: moorea@balancingact.life

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

"Just calm down"

When in the history of the universe have those words actually helped anyone to calm down???

In this episode of Balancing Act, I speak with (Gen-Z!) best-selling author, speaker, coach, and mental health advocate - Sophie Riegel. We dive into the real and messy sides of mental health, sharing our personal experiences as teens and exchanging insights about navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, and mental health in general. This episode is packed with advice for anyone looking to find support for themselves or trying to support a loved one. (Step 1: Don't tell them to "just calm down". We would if we could!!)

Here's what we explore:
🤔 How mental health struggles don't just have "one look"
🥇 Mental health support for high-achievers
❤️ Why you deserve to reach out for support
❤️‍🩹 The importance of a support system & how to build it
👪 How to navigate parent/teen relationships around mental health
🗣️ Reframing language around mental health
👩‍⚕️ Our personal experiences with medication

Resources Mentioned:
Sophie's Email
Sophie's Website
Sophie's Books
** "Don't Tell me to Relax" is a GAME CHANGER 🙌

Contact Balancing Act:

Email Moorea: moorea@balancingact.life

Balancing Act Website
Instagram

DISCLAIMER: Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OUR SITE OR OUR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.