Dr. Riley Smith
I’ll never forget the day my doctor showed me my cortisol test results. The jagged line on the chart looked nothing like the smooth curve it was supposed to be. Instead of the natural rise in the morning and gradual decline throughout the day, my cortisol was erratic—spiking at odd hours and barely registering when […]
Feeling burned out? Your hormones might be crying out for better boundaries. This spring, learn how syncing your energy with the season and honoring your body’s limits can be the ultimate form of self-care. Last spring, I found myself overwhelmed, exhausted, and on the verge of burnout. As the world around me burst with new […]
Last Tuesday, I was on a Zoom call with a client—let’s call her Maya—when she had what I like to call a “hormonal epiphany.” “It’s so obvious now,” she said, eyes widening. “Every time I agree to take on extra projects at work, I get that same headache and wake up at 3 AM for […]
Have you ever noticed that your inner critic gets loudest at night? The thoughts that tell you what you didn’t accomplish or what you should have done differently can make it nearly impossible to fall asleep. Negative self-talk doesn’t just affect your mood—it disrupts your sleep cycles, increasing stress hormones and delaying deep rest. How […]
Many people associate inflammation with diet or environmental toxins, but research now shows that self-criticism can be just as inflammatory. When we engage in negative self-talk, we trigger a biochemical cascade that increases markers of inflammation in the body. Let’s explore how our inner dialogue influences physical health and how self-compassion can serve as an […]
Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful indicators of health, measuring the flexibility of your nervous system. Interestingly, self-acceptance and self-compassion have been shown to directly impact HRV, improving resilience and reducing stress-related inflammation. In this post, we’ll explore how your thoughts influence your heart’s rhythm and how to cultivate a more […]
We often think of stress as something external—work deadlines, relationship conflicts, or financial struggles. However, one of the biggest sources of stress comes from within: our own self-criticism. The way we talk to ourselves can trigger the same stress responses as external threats, leading to chronically elevated cortisol levels. But here’s the good news—self-compassion can […]
Spring detoxes are popular, but many people overlook the foundational steps necessary for effective cleansing. Before beginning a detox, movement and sunlight must be prioritized to support hormone balance and mitochondrial function. Detox and Hormones Detoxification isn’t just about diet—it requires hormonal balance. Movement and light exposure regulate cortisol, insulin, and melatonin, which influence your […]
After a season of reduced movement, your body requires a gentle approach to reintroducing activity. A compassionate transition into spring movement prevents injury, enhances mitochondrial health, and helps regulate stress hormones. Winter’s Impact on the Body Reduced movement leads to: Signs Your Body Needs a Gentle Transition Self-Compassion as a Movement Tool Spring Movement Practices […]
With the return of longer daylight hours, your body’s circadian rhythm undergoes adjustments. If you’ve felt sluggish or out of sync, it may be due to winter’s disruption of your biological clock. Resetting your circadian rhythm using natural light is a powerful way to enhance energy, improve sleep, and optimize overall health. Why Light Matters […]