310: Why We Always Feel Awful - And How To Fix It

Modern life bombards us with stresses our bodies are not physically equipped (or evolved) to handle. It's no wonder so many of us are overwhelmed and struggling. Luckily, there are effective strategies and tools to help manage and reduce stress. You just need to learn how to tap into them. Here today to help us better navigate life's stressors is Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, an internationally acclaimed speaker and resiliency expert. With over 18 years of experience in education and psychology, Dr. Robyne is renowned for her transformative approach to stress management and personal wellness. She is also the award-winning author of Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday Resiliency and her latest book, Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World. In today's conversation, you'll hear Robyne share her expert insights as we delve into practical methods for building resilience and finding balance amidst the chaos. We discuss the five pillars of resilience, from belonging and acceptance to hope and humor, before unpacking the pivotal role of each in maintaining our well-being. Robyne also shares her powerful thoughts on self-compassion, why you can't shame yourself into doing better, and how our historical ability to adapt continuously inspires her to feel hope for the future. Tune in to discover how to break free from the stress cycle, build periods of rest into your routine, and harness emotional intelligence to create a healthier, happier life! Key Highlights From This Episode: Defining resiliency and our innate ability to show up for those who depend on us. [05:32] Unpacking the power of hope and how it fits into resiliency. [08:28] Signs of toxic positivity and the self-awareness required to reach your goals. [13:17] Why we aren't physically equipped for modern life and how to build in periods of rest. [15:52] Tuning into self-awareness and your body's attempts to reregulate. [21:17] The five pillars of resilience: belonging, perspective, acceptance, hope, and humor. [23:47] How to acknowledge and address deep existential fears. [35:31] Where you can find Dr. Robyne and her latest book online. [39:04]   For More Information: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe on LinkedIn Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe on X Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe on Facebook   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:  Check out Dr. Robyne's award-winning book Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday ResiliencyDiscover life-changing lessons in her latest work Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World   ——————— Take a 10% discount off of Kathy's 6-session Career & Leadership Breakthrough coaching program IS IT FINALLY TIME FOR A TRUE SHIFT IN YOUR CAREER AND LEADERSHIP? Do you feel ready and excited to make the essential changes you've been longing for in your career but need some empowering support to begin? That help is here!  Join me as I coach and guide you through powerful, proven steps that unlock your fullest and most rewarding career potential. For a limited time, take advantage of my 10% discount for you, my amazing Finding Brave listeners.  Save 10% on both my top-rated one-on-one 6-session Career & Leadership Breakthrough coaching program or my 3-session Jumpstart Your Career Success program. Participate from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. Now's the time. Don't wait! Build the career you've been longing for this year. I'd love to support you. REGISTER NOW and use the 10% discount code BRAVEPOD10 to save 10% on these programs TODAY! Career & Leadership Breakthrough 6-session programJumpstart Your Career Success 3-session program   ——————— Join us June 13th, 2025 for a LIVE, calming in-person retreat in NYC's iconic Central Park - hosted by Kathy Caprino and Jordan Friedman Connect with Your Inner Calm on June 13th with Kathy and Jordan, in NYC's iconic Central Park I'm thrilled to share an event that's truly special coming up on June 13th, designed for folks who would like a stress-reducing, calm and enlivening retreat experience in NYC's Central Park! For the first time, I'm teaming up with my dear friend and top stress management expert, Jordan Friedman (who I've had the honor of interviewing on my podcast twice now) to offer a live retreat and tour experience on June 13th in the heart of New York City's iconic Central Park. We'll start with a 2 and ½ -hour walking tour guided by Jordan (who is also a fabulous licensed New York City tour guide) of some of the most beautiful and relaxing spots in the park, followed by an energizing and supportive Q&A session, where Jordan and I will help you directly address and navigate some of the biggest stressors you're facing today — in your life, career, and family. We cannot wait to spend this special and meaningful time with you, surrounded by the nature, beauty and deep calm of the urban oasis of Central Park.  Spots are limited, so check out the details and register today at thestresscoach.com/central-park-retreat. Jordan and I would love to offer you this special experience on June 13th!     ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: "Not everything happens for a reason. Some things are just awful. It's what you do with the pieces afterward that's really going to talk about the quality of your life." — @dr_robynehd [0:09:47] "Motivational quotes only work if you put in the work. Simply sticking those post-it notes on your mirror [isn't] going to do anything unless you action it." — @dr_robynehd [0:15:02] "We are very much addicted to this stress-cycle behavior that I'm seeing in my work right now – we were meant to have a lot more ease." — @dr_robynehd [0:17:16] "Living the dream shouldn't kill you. And it was burning me out." — @dr_robynehd [0:19:40] "You can't hate yourself healthy. That's probably the biggest misconception about all of this. We can't shame ourselves into doing better. We can't guilt ourselves into changing behavior." — @dr_robynehd [0:23:01] "Historically, as a species, we have been able to rally. We have grown, we've learned, we've evolved, we've adapted, and I am so hope-filled for the future for my children, [and] for my grandchildren." — @dr_robynehd [0:36:17] Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show! Kathy Caprino AI is here! Don't forget to take full advantage of Kathy's new digital coaching tool - Kathy Caprino AI. Get instant, personalized support and answers to your pressing career, leadership, and professional growth questions, anytime you need it - 24/7 - via audio chat or text.