Not Entirely Unlike Tea

In this episode, we'll peek at why talking out loud during anxiety can change your brain activity. We'll cover the neuroscience behind emotion-labeling and how language circuits help override fear centers. We'll also chat about creative ways to use this, from insomnia to daily moments of ick, you can shift how you're feeling with this bit of knowledge!

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oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m c...

In this episode, we'll peek at what your brain picks up on that you don't consciously notice, and why "intuitive gut feelings" may be connected to neuroscience. We'll talk about micro-expressions, peripheral threat detection, and how you can smell emotions in others. We'll look at how intuition intersects with science as your brain processes thousands of subconscious signals.

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In this episode, we'll peek at why scrolling isn't a "willpower" problem, but an exploitation of your brain's reward systems (kinda like slot machines!). We'll cover the neuroscience behind the prefrontal cortex "battling" dopamine loops, and how stress makes it worse. We'll also talk about practical strategies that actually WORK with your brain's design, so you can ditch any guilt ...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind creating autonomous characters with childhood play using toys & stuffies.  We'll look at how it translates into adult creative skills like writing, storytelling & even marketing - and how it may have built the perfect neural infrastructure for business & entrepreneurship.  And how to grow it further in adulthood!

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oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Un...

In this episode, we'll peek at why "outcome-only" goals often backfire (and why it's not your fault). We'll talk about the brain science behind why chasing pure results feels exhausting, and how identity-based goals work with your neural wiring instead of against it. We'll also cover how to shift from "I want to achieve this" to "I'm someone who does this" - and why that langua...

In this episode, we'll peek at why PTSD isn't just "mental" or "psychological," but involves your whole body's inflammatory system. We'll talk about how trauma rewires both brain and immune responses, and why somatic techniques like EFT work so well for healing.

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oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m christine collins & i love reflecting on mindset, psychology, neurosc...

In this episode, we'll peek at why "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is actually backwards from a neuroscience view. We'll talk about how trauma ACTUALLY changes your brain, how hyper-vigilance kicks in, and the relief that can be found with evidence-based healing therapies that actually work.

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oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m christine collins & i love reflecting on mi...

In this episode, we'll peek at why notifications hijack your focus before you can even think.  We'll talk about the neuroscience behind notification addiction and attention fragmentation, and a few concrete strategies to readily reclaim your focus.  We'll also cover what happens when your nervous system gets stuck in digital overwhelm, and how to give your brain the recovery time it desperately needs.

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oh hi &...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind "disappointment" and why we feel worse when something falls short of expectations than if we'd never gotten excited in the first place. We'll talk about dopamine prediction errors, the  difference between "desire" and "satisfaction" in your brain, and why your reward system is designed more for the "chase" than the catch. W...

In this episode, we'll peek at why people seek out reasons your hardship was somehow preventable or your fault (and why our brains are wired this way). We'll talk about the neuroscience behind witnessing hardship, the subconscious / psychological need to justify it, & why it's so pronounced when we feel similar to the victim. We'll also cover why this makes suffering so isolating, & how to build compassi...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience of "venting"... does it heal your emotions or keep you stuck in negative patterns? We'll look at the benefits of oxytocin release and co-regulation that calm the nervous system, as well as the "dark side" of how excessive venting can deepen neural pathways for rumination & negative thought patterns, and talk about the ideal balance & how to seek h...

In this episode, we'll peek at traits that some say make people "highly intelligent" - but neuroscience suggests they might actually be signs of neurodivergence. We'll talk about the brain science behind getting bored quickly, being a night owl, hyper-focusing, and being self-critical. We'll also consider tools for getting into flow state when creativity needs a boost.

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In this episode, we'll peek at why being "low maintenance" or "people pleasing" could make your brain see YOU as the threat.  We'll chat about how chronic "accommodation" can harm your nervous system, dysregulate your body, and cause mysterious anxiety or fatigue. We'll also cover how to negotiate with your body instead of just overriding it, with practical boundary-setting techniques.

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In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind how visual clutter creates cognitive load at a subconscious level, and why productivity can suddenly improve after organizing (even in completely different spaces). We'll also cover what's actually happening in your neural pathways when you declutter, and how this effect is amplified for neurodivergent brains. 

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oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea”...

In this episode, we'll peek at why breathing exercises can sometimes make certain people feel worse instead of better (it does not mean you or your nervous system are "broken!"). We'll talk about the neuroscience behind why forced breathing patterns can backfire for some brains in some scenarios, and look at what actually works when traditional "just breathe" advice doesn't. 

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In this episode, we'll peek at why upsetting news makes our brains go offline (and why it's actually protective).  We'll talk about the neuroscience behind choosing "safe" people to seek support from, and the 5 behaviors that signal someone is unsafe to confide in.  We'll also cover what actually IS helpful when you need support, and how to be genuinely supportive of others when they ask for it.

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In this episode, we'll peek at why "just let it go" and "just get over it" and "just stop worrying" is such crappy advice from a neuroscience perspective. We'll look at how your brain actually processes emotions, & why these cliche phrases backfire to make things even worse. We'll look at what your nervous system actually needs instead, and how social support and oxytocin play a role...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind why we feel an urge to buy organizing bins before decluttering, cleaning and organizing. We'll look at how novelty triggers dopamine release, why this effect is stronger in neurodivergent brains, & also cover some no-cost alternatives that stimulate decluttering motivation without popping into the piggy bank. 

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oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” –...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience of how new environments can bring on new ideas & solutions. Novel surroundings can trigger neuroplasticity and innovation. The good news is, you don't have to vacation or travel far to experience these benefits.  We'll chat on everyday ways to create cognitive-enhancing effects - from micro-adventures to sensory shifts that spark creativity.

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