Embodied Living

# 15 - Design a Life and Success Beyond Hustle Culture with Annie Hoogendoorn

What if success wasn’t about fitting into hustle culture, but about shaping your life around your energy, values, and needs?In this conversation, I’m joined by Annie Hoogendoorn, Lifestyle Design Coach and founder of Bloem, who supports highly sensitive and neurodivergent high achievers to transition out of draining careers and into rhythms that truly honor their energy, purpose, and well-being.Annie’s story is one of courage and reinvention — from the creative hustle of Amsterdam, to the fast-paced corporate tech world in Portland, to the deep burnout that finally led her to slow down, listen inward, and reimagine how life could feel. Today, she helps others do the same: decondition from hustle culture, reconnect with the body’s wisdom, and design lives that feel not just successful, but truly sustainable.Together, we explore:🌿 Why “deconditioning” is the first step toward an aligned life🌿 How to reconnect with your intuition and body’s guidance when it feels foreign🌿 The unique challenges highly sensitive and neurodivergent high achievers face in work and business🌿 How to create systems and structures that support your energy instead of draining it🌿 The hidden cost of productivity culture — and what becomes possible when you uncouple self-worth from constant achievement🌿 Gentle, practical practices Annie uses to reconnect with herself on difficult daysAnnie’s perspective is both deeply compassionate and practical, reminding us that reconnection isn’t about perfection — it’s about softening, creating space, and returning to ourselves, over and over again.Practical Steps to Try✅ Time blocks with intention: Schedule work in 60–90 minute chunks, followed by short breaks for movement, breath, or rest.✅ Energy mapping: Notice when your focus and creativity are highest during the day, and align your most demanding tasks with those windows.✅ Build restorative rituals: Pair your work with small nourishing practices — a walk, yin yoga, or mindful tea — so that energy is replenished, not depleted.✅ Simplify your systems: Use a daily check-in to name your top 1–2 priorities instead of scattering energy across endless to-dos.Journal Prompts for Reflection🖊️ What systems or routines in my life currently drain me more than they support me?🖊️ When during the day do I feel most alive, creative, or focused? How can I honor that?🖊️ What belief ties my sense of worth to productivity — and is it really true?🖊️ If I trusted my body as my guide, what one change would I make in how I structure my day? Resources & Links✨ Learn more about Annie’s work here✨ Download her free Life Audit Workbook here✨ Connect with Annie on Instagram✨ FREE GUIDE - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Feel Better in 2 Minutes or Less⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ Let’s keep the conversation going on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

# 14 – The Art of the Emotional Exhale

Sometimes it’s not your mind that’s exhausted — it’s your body holding the day’s story.We talk a lot about our emotions, name them, analyze them… but feeling them fully — all the way through — is a completely different experience.In this episode, I share a gentle but powerful practice I call the Emotional Exhale — a way to release what you’ve been carrying in under five minutes, so you can arrive back home in yourself.We explore:Why we often stop short of feeling big emotions to completion, and how this leaves residue in the body.How subtle, everyday emotions pile up when we skip over them — creating a dull, heavy in-between state.The emotional “mixed-bag fog” and why it can leave you confused about what you’re really feeling.How the Emotional Exhale can act like opening a window in a stale room — bringing in fresh space for clarity, softness, and presence.This episode also includes a guided practice to help you:Create an inner space to welcome what’s truly thereOffer presence to the residue you’ve been carryingRide the full wave of sensation until it naturally completesMake space inside you for whatever newness wants to come inWhether you’re moving through a big life wave or simply want to end your day feeling lighter, this practice is here to help you pause, reset, and reconnect.FAQ: Your Questions AnsweredQ: What exactly is an “emotional exhale”?It’s a short, intentional pause where you let your body and nervous system release what’s been building up — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Think of it as the moment you finally open a window in a stuffy room.Q: Do I have to feel all my emotions to benefit from this practice?Not at all. The beauty of the emotional exhale is that it’s gentle. You’re simply creating space for whatever is here right now — whether that’s a tidal wave of feeling or just a subtle ripple. You’re not forcing anything, just allowing.Q: What if I’m not sure what I’m feeling?That’s actually really common. Many of us live in a kind of “emotional mixed bag” — a bit of sadness, a hint of frustration, maybe even some joy — all blended together. You don’t need to name it to feel it. The practice works even when all you sense is a vague heaviness or restlessness.Q: How often should I do an emotional exhale?You can use it anytime — as a midday reset, after a stressful moment, or at the end of your workday to clear the slate before your evening. Even a couple of minutes can make a difference.✨ FREE GUIDE - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Feel Better in 2 Minutes or Less⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ Let’s keep the conversation going on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

# 13 - Beyond Either/Or: Navigating the Dance Between Individualism and Togetherness with Jessica JJ Lutz

What if we didn’t have to choose between being deeply connected to others or being true to ourselves?In this episode of Embodied Living, I’m joined by Jessica JJ Lutz — author, speaker, and creator of the We-Mind vs Me-Mind framework — to explore how we can move beyond binary thinking and inhabit a more integrated, embodied way of relating to life, work, and ourselves.Whether you find yourself constantly giving to others or fiercely protecting your autonomy, this conversation invites you to soften the divide — and discover what it means to live from alignment rather than opposition.In this episode, we dive into:The difference between the We-Mind and the Me-Mind — and how both can coexistHow to recognize when we’re acting from one or the otherCultural influences on how we relate to connection and autonomyHow to balance empathy with boundariesKey TakeawaysYou don’t have to choose between being kind and being true to yourselfThe We-Mind can lead to connection and harmony, but also self-abandonment if unconsciousThe Me-Mind supports self-trust and agency, but can isolate when overusedAwareness is the bridge — learning to recognize where you're operating from allows more freedom and choiceIntegration is the goal: honoring both your individuality and your need for connectionJournal Prompts for Reflection💭 When do I feel most “me”? When do I feel most “we”?💭 How can I create space for both — without sacrificing one?💭 What moments recently gave me the feeling of “yes — this is enough”?💭 How can I celebrate those moments in my body more consciously?Practical Steps to try here📥 Get My Free Guide!Want simple ways to reconnect to yourself daily? Download my free guide: 5 Easy Ways to Reconnect to Yourself Daily

# 12 -The Shape of Well-Being: Stress, Movement & Mindfulness with Irina Oshchepkova

Do you ever feel like work is taking over your life? Between back-to-back meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. Stress, tension, and burnout often creep in unnoticed—but what if well-being didn’t have to be an afterthought?In this episode, I sit down with Irina Oshchepkova, a well-being guide, corporate wellness strategist, and retreat leader, who helps busy professionals integrate movement, mindfulness, and meditation into their daily routines. With over 12 years of corporate experience in high-pressure environments and 1,400+ hours of yoga teaching, Irina offers practical, science-backed strategies to help professionals feel more energized, focused, and at ease—even on the busiest days.💡 Her mission? To make well-being a natural part of daily life—helping professionals manage stress, reconnect with their bodies, and create sustainable habits that support both their work and personal lives.In this episode, we dive into:🧘‍♀️ How Irina transitioned from the corporate world to wellness coaching📌 The biggest stressors professionals face—and how to counter them⏳ The myth of "I don't have time" & how to embed well-being into your workday🧠 The impact of stress on your body & mind—and simple shifts to reset🌟 The Shape Method: A 5-step framework for stress-proofing your life🏢 How companies can prioritize employee well-being & foster a healthier workplace🏕️ The power of wellness retreats & why even a weekend getaway can transform your mindsetKey Takeaways🎯 Stress management doesn’t have to take hours. Small, strategic micro-practices can make a huge difference.🚀 Well-being is a leadership skill. Leaders who prioritize their own well-being set the tone for a healthier, more productive work culture.⏸️ Mindful pauses reset your energy. A 60-second breathing exercise can shift your state before responding to stressful situations.🌱 You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential.Practical Steps to Manage Stress Daily✅ Take micro-breaks: Stand, stretch, or walk for 5 minutes every hour.✅ Breathe with awareness: Try a simple deep-breathing exercise before meetings.✅ Incorporate movement: Even small stretches at your desk can relieve tension.✅ Pause before reacting: Take a deep breath before responding to emails or conflicts.✅ Set an intention daily: Start your morning with clarity on how you want to feel.Journal Prompts for Reflection💭 What small shift can I make today to feel more at ease?💭 When do I feel most stressed, and how can I proactively manage that moment?💭 How can I bring more presence into my workday?Resources & Links:🌐 Visit Irina’s website: Yoga Shape📲 Follow Irina on Instagram: @yoga.shape🔗 Connect with Irina on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/irinaoshchepkova🧘‍♀️ Join a retreat: Check out upcoming Yoga & Hiking Retreats in Italy, Portugal, and Greece✨ FREE GUIDE - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5 Ways to Reconnect to yourself Daily⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ Let’s keep the conversation going on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

# 11 - Why Buying Happiness Doesn’t Work (and What Does)

Ever bought something, thinking it would make you happy, only to feel the same—or even worse—a few days later?Maybe it was a bag, a new phone, a vacation, or even a big career win. And for a moment, it felt amazing—like you finally arrived.But then… the excitement fades. You’re left looking for the next thing.In this episode, we’re breaking down:✔️ Why external things can’t bring lasting happiness✔️ The brain’s sneaky trick that keeps us chasing ‘more’✔️ What actually creates fulfillment (hint: it’s not in your shopping cart)And no, I’m not going to tell you to sell all your stuff and go meditate in a cave.Instead, we’re diving into tiny, powerful shifts you can make right now to feel more joy, without needing to earn it or buy it.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✨ The “Happiness Hangover” Effect—why the thrill of buying fades so fast🧠 How your brain tricks you into believing ‘the next thing’ will finally satisfy you💡 Why experiences create longer-lasting happiness than things🌱 How to stop chasing happiness and start creating it daily👣 6 small but powerful ways to feel more fulfilled today🎧 Hit play now to learn how to step off the never-ending “more, more, more” treadmill and into lasting joy.Key Takeaways💥 Happiness isn’t in the purchase—it’s in how you experience life.The excitement you feel before buying something? That’s the real happiness. The object itself? Just a symbol.💡 Your brain is wired to keep chasing.Hedonic adaptation means that no matter how big the win, it eventually becomes your new normal. This is why the next thing never feels enough.🌿 Experiences > Stuff.A designer bag won’t change you—but a deep conversation, a new skill, or a wild adventure? Those shape who you are.🎯 You don’t need to “earn” joy.Tiny moments—sipping your coffee slowly, stretching, playing your favorite song—can bring just as much happiness as a luxury vacation.✨ The key to fulfillment isn’t achieving more—it’s savoring more.You don’t need more, you need to fully experience what’s already here.Practical Steps to Apply This Daily1️⃣ Mini Joy Audit – Write down 3 things that bring you joy and do them without needing to “deserve” it.2️⃣ Savoring Instead of Seeking – Pause and actually feel the good moments in your day. Happiness isn’t missing—we just rush past it.3️⃣ Catch the Chase – Next time you’re about to buy something for happiness, pause and ask: What feeling am I actually craving?4️⃣ Move Your Body, Shift Your Energy – Joy isn’t just mental—it’s physical. Stretch, dance, breathe deeply—feel your way into joy.5️⃣ Trade More for Meaning – Instead of collecting things, invest in experiences, connection, and creativity. These last way longer.6️⃣ Be Where You Are – Joy lives right now, not in your next milestone. Taste it. Feel it. Let it be enough.🎧 Try one of these today and let me know how it feels!FAQ: Your Questions AnsweredQ: Does this mean I should stop buying things that make me happy?Q: I love the feeling of buying something new—but how come I’m never satisfied?Q: I love the feeling of buying something new—how do I get that same joy without shopping?Q: What if I feel like I need external things to “treat myself” after working hard?Letting happiness in now—instead of postponing it for a purchase—changes everything.✨ FREE GUIDE - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5 Ways to Reconnect to yourself Daily⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ Let’s keep the conversation going on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram