Rest Rituals - a conversation with Stephanie Steele Wren

Rest, rituals, and nervous‑system awareness can help people reclaim a sense of selfDr. Stephanie Steele‑Wren of Psychology Works joins host Michael Millward for a deeply human conversation about identity, burnout, neurodivergence, and the small, practical shifts that help us reconnect with who we really are.Drawing on nearly twenty years in psychology, Dr. Stephanie explains how chronic stress keeps the nervous system in permanent “on mode,” why this erodes both physical and mental wellbeing, and how simple, accessible emotional‑decompression techniques can reset the brain throughout the day.They explore: How neurodivergence shaped Dr. Stephanie’s career and inspired her private practice. Why “reclaiming yourself” is less about grand life changes and more about intentional micro‑moments. The link between physical exhaustion, nervous‑system overload, and mental‑health decline. Everyday decompression strategies — from stepping outside for 30 seconds to playing a quick game of Mahjong Solitaire. The importance of hobbies and self‑connection rituals in rediscovering identity beyond job titles, parenting roles, and societal expectations. How becoming a parent reshapes identity, and why many adults struggle to name a single thing they do just for themselves.This episode is warm, insightful, and full of relatable moments — including Dr. Stephanie’s reflection that “rest doesn’t have to be a marathon… it can be sprinting rests,” and Michael’s realization that his quick gaming breaks are nervous‑system resets.Discover more about Stephanie and Michael at Abeceder.co.ukAudience OffersRest and Recreation is made on Zencastr, because it is so easy to use. Visit Zencastr.Travel – within your means at the trade prices available to members of The Ultimate Travel Club.Health – The Annual Health Test from York Test is conducted by an experienced phlebotomist at your home or workplace. Hospital standard tests for 39 health markers.A Personal Wellness Hub provides easy-to-understand results and guidance for effective lifestyle changes anytime.Visit York Test and use this discount code REST25.Tech Problems? – Visit Three for information about business and personal telecom solutions from Three, and the special offers available when you quote our referral code WPFNUQHU.Be a Guest Visit Matchmaker.fm. Use code MILW10 for a discount on membership.We recommend that potential guests take one of the podcasting guest training programmes available from Work Place Learning Centre.Thank you to you for listening.We appreciate every like, download, and subscription.