Mastering the Stress Response: Touch, Coherence, and Changing Your Story (Part 2) | Tom Meyers | A Wise and Happy Life

In the conclusion of this two-part series of A Wise and Happy Life, host Bob Martin continues his deep dive with Brussels-based osteopath Tom Meyers. Building on their previous discussion of evolutionary mismatch, this episode focuses on practical tools for managing chronic, undifferentiated stress. Tom explains how our bodies have become "anticipation machines" that automatically scan for danger , and why we must move from automatic survival modes into conscious "doing" to maintain our health. Tom shares his unique approach to Integrated Osteopathy, highlighting the power of specific touch points on the head and face to deactivate the stress response. They also explore the profound psychological shift of "changing your story"—substituting limiting metaphors for empowering ones to literally alter the trajectory of your future. Episode Highlights The Problem with Chronic Stress: Unlike the acute danger of a tiger in the jungle, modern stressors are chronic and non-identifiable, keeping the body in a constant, exhausting state of high alert. The "Anticipation Machine": Tom explains that stress is an automatic biological response, whereas positive states like joy or meditation require intentional "doing" and practice. The Power of Touch: Discover how simple hand gestures—or Mudras—and touching specific points on the temples, forehead, and neck can fill the body with a sense of security and safety. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & Coherence: Tom details his personal routine of using breathing exercises and touch to move from a state of physical stress into "coherence" before eating or seeing patients. "Get" vs. "Have": A powerful story illustrating how a single word change—substituting "I get to" for "I have to"—can instantly change a person's perception of their life and future. Direct Quote "Our stress response is responding with a physical approach... but today our environment is changing so fast that there is a conflict between biology and culture. Biology is slow, our environment is fast." — Tom Meyers Featured Guest: Tom Meyers Tom Meyers is an osteopath, speaker, and the author of Futurize Yourself. Based in Brussels, he is a thought leader in the reset approach, helping people worldwide evolve with purpose and intention. Connect with Tom: Website:https://www.futurizeyourself.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyerstom/ Connect with Bob Martin Website: https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/  Podbean: https://awiseandhappylife.podbean.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamBobMartin  Email: [email protected]  Download my Free Meditation Ebook: https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/what-is-meditation-anyway/  Explore My Published Books: https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/books/    This episode is brought to you by A Wise and Happy Life, a show where Bob Martin shares thoughtful, heartfelt conversations about what really makes life worth living. Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!    #StressManagement #AutonomicRegulation #Osteopathy #SelfCompassion #Mindfulness #FutureSelf #Biohacking #AwiseAndHappyLife #TomMeyers #IntegratedTherapy