111 | Why Your Body Feels Stuck in Survival Mode (And How to Finally Get Out)

Feel like you're doing everything "right" and your body still won't cooperate? Flat energy, a stalled plateau, foggy afternoons, wired-but-tired nights? In this episode, Val breaks down survival mode — what it actually is, why postpartum (and just plain busy) life practically guarantees it, and why you can't out-discipline a nervous system that doesn't feel safe. Val also shares a client story — a mom of three, part-time mechanical engineer, homeschooler, and half-marathon-in-training — to show exactly how "small normal stressors" quietly stack up until the body waves the white flag. Plus, the bathtub analogy that reframes how you think about stress, symptoms, and burnout for good. In this episode: What "survival mode" really means for your nervous system and metabolism A real client story: blood sugar concerns, sleep disruption, and what was actually driving it The bathtub analogy — why your symptoms are an overflow, not a malfunction Why willpower and restriction backfire when your body is in protection mode The signs you might be stuck in survival mode right now One simple thing to try this week to start turning the tub down Feeling stuck? Grab the free Start Strong Workshop at https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/workshop — it'll walk you through exactly how to get your energy and your core back. Resources & Links: Send me a voice message! 🎙️ Have a question or a topic you want me to cover on the podcast? Send me a voice message through SpeakPipe — link below in show notes! → https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter Connect with Val: Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ Website: https://wellnessbyval.com/ Free Protein Guide: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide  Core Comeback Challenge: wellnessbyval.com/core Functional Lab Review: https://wellnessbyval.com/labs This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about breastfeeding, postpartum nutrition, or your individual health needs.