#91 Why It Takes Years to Get Answers (Part 2)

🔹 Connect with Bianca: website instagram YouTube Nervous System Healing Class - Use code HEAL for a discount 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why so many women with PCOS feel dismissed or unheard Bianca’s 13-year journey to finally receiving a diagnosis The connection between stress, the nervous system, and hormones A simple breakdown of polyvagal theory (green, yellow, red states) Why your body can’t heal in survival mode The “stress bucket” concept and how it impacts your health How past experiences and current stressors shape your nervous system Why the quality of your coping skills matters more than you think The role of self-compassion in healing How to set boundaries without guilt Simple, realistic tools to regulate your nervous system starting today 🧠 Understanding Your Nervous System Bianca explains three core nervous system states: 🟢 Green (Regulated) Calm, safe, connected Optimal digestion, sleep, and hormone function This is where healing happens 🟡 Yellow (Stress / Activation) Fight-or-flight mode (stress, anxiety, overwhelm) Can be healthy in short bursts The issue: most women live here chronically 🔴 Red (Shutdown) Burnout, numbness, disconnection Result of prolonged stress overload 👉 Most women today are stuck cycling between yellow and red, rarely reaching true regulation. 🧩 The Nervous System Equation Your state is shaped by: 1. Past Stressors Trauma, childhood experiences, emotional wounds 2. Current Stressors Work, family, health, constant stimulation 3. The Quality of Your Coping Skills (Your Biggest Lever) Low-quality coping: Scrolling, binge eating, alcohol, numbing behaviors High-quality coping: Movement, breathwork, journaling, therapy, connection 🪣 The Stress Bucket Every stressor fills your internal “bucket” Poor coping keeps it full (or overflowing) Quality coping helps empty it 🔄 Healing Is Not Linear You don’t go from burnout → calm overnight Progress often looks like: Red (numb) → Yellow (anxious) → Green (regulated) 👉 Feeling more emotions after being numb is often a sign of healing, not failure 💥 The Hidden Block: Self-Criticism Shame and self-judgment add MORE stress Healing requires: Awareness Compassion Acceptance 🤍 Reframing Your Inner Voice Instead of: “I should be doing better” Try: “What do I need right now?” “How would I support a friend in this situation?” 🚧 Boundaries = Healing Start asking: What can I eliminate? What needs better boundaries? What do I need to navigate differently? 🔑 Powerful Mindset Shifts 1. Every “yes” is a “no” to something else → Often your peace, rest, or healing 2. “You can’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm” → Stop sacrificing yourself for everyone else 3. Choose your “hard” It’s hard to set boundaries It’s also hard to stay burnt out 👉 You get to decide which hard you live with 🛠️ Tools for Nervous System Regulation Bianca emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach—the key is finding what works for you. Go-To Tools to Explore: Breathwork (simple + accessible anywhere) Longer exhales activate the vagus nerve and calm the body Journaling Clears mental overload and creates space EFT Tapping Especially powerful for anxiety Movement Walking, swimming, exercise Nature & stillness Grounding and regulating Cold exposure (for some states) Helpful for numbness, but not always for anxiety 🔍 Key Reminder: You don’t need: A perfect routine A 90-minute morning ritual To do everything at once 👉 You just need to: Get curious Pay attention Find what works for your body 💬 Quotes from This Episode “Your body has to feel safe in order to heal.” “Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else.” “You can’t set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.” “You have to decide which version of hard you’re willing to live with.” 🌿 Final Takeaway Healing isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating a state in your body where healing is possible. Start small: Take a deep breath Go for a walk Put your phone down Listen to your body Because real change doesn’t come from perfection— it comes from awareness, consistency, and self-support. ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. 📘 Healing Beyond the Diagnosis: Rewrite Your PCOS Story to Finally Reclaim Your HealthIf you’re tired of chasing symptoms, starting over, and feeling disconnected from your body, this book was written for you.In Healing Beyond the Diagnosis, Lindsie guides you beyond labels and quick fixes and into a deeper understanding of what your symptoms are actually communicating. This book blends science, lived experience, and compassionate insight to help you rebuild trust with your body, calm your nervous system, and create sustainable, lasting health — without restriction, shame, or burnout.✨ Perfect for women with PCOS who want clarity, confidence, and a path forward that finally makes sense.👉 Grab your copy HERE, available in paperback or on kindle 📝 Free Download: The Food Timeline TrackerUnlock the clues your body is already giving you.This simple worksheet helps you connect your meals to your hunger, cravings, and energy—so you can start spotting patterns, identifying insulin resistance symptoms, and making empowered food choices (no calorie counting required). Use it for just 2-3 days and prepare to be amazed at what you discover!✅ What's included:Meal tracking prompts (before, during, after, and long after)Space to note physical, emotional, and energy changesBonus reflection questions to guide your next steps📥 Grab it HERE!