In this enlightening episode of The No Half Cakes Podcast, I, Jim Sabellico, had the pleasure of sitting down with the insightful Dr. Amy Novotny. Our conversation centered around mastering self-awareness, health, and the often overlooked impact of the autonomic nervous system on our well-being.
Dr. Novotny, founder of the PABR (Pain Awareness Breathing Relief) Institute, shared a compelling perspective on how the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses—emotions typically associated with stress—substantially affect our physical health. This heightened state often forces our muscles into a contracted state, influencing how our body functions and can lead to chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and even necessitate orthopedic surgeries.
During our discussion, we explored the transformative potential of self-awareness and the structural alignment of our physical form, underscoring that the aches and pains many experience can often be alleviated without medications or surgeries, simply by recalibrating how we breathe and move. Dr. Novotny emphasized the importance of looking inward, highlighting how seemingly unrelated symptoms like digestive issues and emotional reactivity can be indicative of being trapped in a fight or flight mode.
We also delved into the significant role of nutrition, particularly how dietary habits affect our physiology. Dr. Novotny stressed the importance of mindfulness in dietary choices and the positive ripple effect such choices have, not only on our physical health but also on our emotional and mental well-being.
As we wrapped up, Dr. Novotny offered practical advice on simple breathing techniques to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation—a small step towards achieving a balanced life. This episode is crucial for anyone interested in exploring the intricate connections between self-awareness and health, demonstrating that true wellness comes from harmonious alignment within.
For further resources and support, Dr. Amy Novotny can be followed on her website, the PABR Institute, and on social media, where she offers guidance and consultations to explore these life-changing concepts further.
