Ep 102: Toxic Homes, Chronic Stress & Healing Spaces: A Story of Survival with Antoinette Berrafato

Ep 102 | What if your home was making you feel worse—and you didn't even realize it? This week's guest went from being bedridden and relying on a walker, service dog, and full-time caregiver to whitewater kayaking in the Northwoods. And along the way, she discovered something surprising: her environment may have been working against her healing instead of supporting it.Antoinette Berrafato (f.k.a. Antoinette Lee) shares one of the most powerful healing-home stories I've heard. We talk about toxic off-gassing, chronic stress, nervous system overload, intentional design, and the connection between our living spaces and whole-body wellbeing. If you've ever walked into your home and felt drained, restless, or like something just feels "off," this conversation offers a different lens.🕒 In this episode:[06:30] – How a home environment may contribute to chronic stress and nervous system overload[15:15] – The Light, Order & Life framework for creating a healing home[17:47] – Why clutter isn't always what you think—and how cognitive load impacts wellbeing[20:45] – The mindset shift that helped Antoinette move from survival mode toward thriving[33:50] – Practical ways to create a healthier, more supportive space—no matter your budget[49:20] – Grounding, foraging, and why time in nature can support healingThis conversation is a reminder that our homes do more than hold our things—they shape how we feel, how we recover, and how we move through daily life. Small changes can create meaningful shifts.Meet Antoinette Berrafato (f.k.a. Antoinette Lee):Antoinette Berrafato (f.k.a. Antoinette Lee), MBA, is an 11-year U.S. Army veteran, resilience life coach, motivational speaker, health and wellness columnist, outdoor industry influencer, and founder of the American Adventure Sports Club nonprofit. After rebuilding her life following a traumatic brain injury, spine injury, PTSD, and years of chronic illness, she now helps others define their own "new normal" and step boldly into the biggest life they can dream. She's the creator and host of the New Normal Big Life podcast.🌿 Connect with Antoinette:X: https://x.com/NNBLBlogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nnblpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newnormalbiglifepFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewNormalBigLifePodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinetteleemba/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewNormalBigLifeWebsite: https://newnormalbiglifepodcast.com🌐 Episode Website: https://jenhellerlifestyle.com/2026/05/26/toxic-homes-chronic-stress-healing-spaces-a-story-of-survival/💛 If this episode struck a chord, send it to someone who needs to hear it. And if you're feeling generous, tap ⭐️ and leave a review—it helps others find the healing too.Connect with Me: Website - www.jenhellerlifestyle.comWhere Else to Find Jen:📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhellerlifestyle/💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560317546116📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenHellerLifestyle📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenhellerlifestyle🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-heller-30b8a0126/