The Joy Blocker Nobody Talks About with Alena Candova

What if the nervous system regulation tools you've been using are just band-aids? In this episode, Rachel sits down with Dr. Alena Candova — chiropractor, neurocoach, and author of Grace Over Grit — for a rich, science-meets-soul conversation about what it actually takes to create lasting change in the body and mind. Dr. Alena's journey began with yoga in her twenties during a difficult season, eventually leading her through chiropractic training, somatic therapy, and subconscious reprogramming work. What she discovered along the way? Most of us are using emergency regulation tools — breathwork, cold exposure, quick resets — without ever addressing the deeper nervous system wiring underneath. In this episode, you'll learn: Why nervous system regulation is so much more than calming down in a triggered moment — and what neuroplasticity-based rewiring actually looks like The three-layer framework Dr. Alena uses: neurocognitive awareness → interoceptive awareness → emotional resolution How to find your body's baseline (especially if chronic stress has made it hard to feel anything at all) The neuroscience behind the 90-second rule — why allowing a physiological response to complete for just 60–90 seconds can actually dissolve it Why you don't have to process the story of your emotions — just the raw neurochemical reaction in your body What "co-regulation" is and why working with a skilled practitioner can fast-track your healing in ways solo work often can't Simple daily practices to start building interoceptive awareness right now — no yoga mat required Why joy is fleeting for so many high-achievers — and how subconscious blocks and a narrow nervous system capacity are often the culprit Dr. Alena also shares a client story that will give you chills: after deep work together, her client triggered, gave herself a "session" at home, and said it felt like being in the room with Dr. Alena. That's the kind of inner authority this work is building toward. Connect with Dr. Alena Candova: Website: satvaintegralhealth.com Book (Grace Over Grit): available on Amazon Email for a free PDF overview: [email protected] AI Concierge: available directly on her website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.