Less Stress In Life

Unknown
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to Less Stress in Life, the podcast where science, compassion, and practical strategies come together to help you live well—even when life doesn't go according to plan. Hosted by registered nurse and board-certified reflexologist Deb Timmerman and physical therapist Lindsay Vertalka, our conversations explore the connection between stress, pain, the nervous system, and overall well-being. Together, we share evidence-informed insights, real-life experiences, and simple tools that can help you better understand your body and support your health. Whether you're living with chronic pain or illness, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for practical ways to reduce stress and improve your quality of life, you'll find encouragement, education, and hope here. Because living well isn't about having a perfect body. It's about learning to work with the one you have.

  1. Sep 20

    iRest Meditation and Chronic Pain: What You Need to Know with Guest Debra Hart

    Living with chronic pain can make it difficult to truly rest. Even when the body slows down, the nervous system may remain on high alert—watching, anticipating, and responding. In this episode, Deb and Lindsay are joined by Debra Hart, Level 1 iRest® Meditation Teacher, to explore iRest, a guided meditation practice designed to support deep rest, body awareness, and nervous-system regulation. Deb shares how iRest grew from the practice of Yoga Nidra and how it is being used with people experiencing chronic pain, stress, sleep difficulties, trauma, and other challenges. We talk about what actually happens during an iRest practice, why body sensing and choice are important, and how practices like iRest can complement—not replace—conventional approaches to pain care. We also explore an important theme of this season: there is rarely one tool that works for everyone. Building a personal toolbox and discovering what helps your body feel safer, calmer, and better supported can be an important part of living well with persistent pain. Resources: https://www.healwithcfte.org/research https://shop.irest.org/pages/about-irest iREST Meditation event registration Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  2. Sep 12

    The Mind-Body Connection and Chronic Pain: What You Need to Know

    The mind-body connection is more than a wellness buzzword. It’s the ongoing, two-way communication between your brain, nervous system, thoughts, emotions, and the physical processes happening throughout your body. In this episode, Deb and Lindsay explore what the mind-body connection really means—and what it doesn’t. Your thoughts don’t simply “cause” chronic pain or illness, and physical symptoms aren’t “all in your head.” Instead, the brain and body are constantly exchanging information, influenced by stress, past experiences, emotions, relationships, environment, movement, and more. We’ll talk about how the nervous system, hormones, immune system, and gut-brain connection all play a role in this communication, and why stress can influence the way we experience pain and other physical symptoms. You’ll also hear practical ways to support a healthier mind-body connection through nervous system regulation, movement, recovery, social connection, and simply becoming more curious about the patterns your body is showing you. If you’re living with chronic pain or chronic illness, understanding the mind-body connection can offer a different way to look at your symptoms and bring greater awareness and more options for supporting your health. Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  3. Aug 21

    Chronic Pain Myths That Might Be Keeping You Stuck

    Chronic pain comes with a lot of messages about what pain means, what you should avoid, and what you need to do to get better. But what if some of those long-held beliefs are actually making it harder to move forward? In this episode, Deb and Lindsay unpack common chronic pain myths—including the belief that pain always means damage, imaging tells the whole story, stress makes pain “psychological,” rest is always best, and you need to eliminate pain before you can start living again. Drawing from current pain science and their backgrounds in nursing, physical therapy, nervous system regulation, and chronic pain care, they explore a more complete way of understanding pain—and why movement, stress regulation, mindset, connection, and gradually building capacity can all be important pieces of the puzzle. If chronic pain has left you fearful, frustrated, or unsure what to believe, this conversation may help you look at your pain—and your possibilities—a little differently. Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  4. Aug 16

    When the Life You Know Changes in an Instant

    What happens when the life you knew changes in an instant? After a serious automobile accident left Jessica Crosby with significant injuries, pain, and mobility limitations, she found herself facing a long and uncertain road ahead. In this episode, Jessica Crosby, owner of Delight Designs & Remodeling, joins Deb and Lindsay for an open conversation about grieving the life she knew, accepting help, finding ways to keep participating in the things she loves, and learning that progress and grief can exist at the same time. Jessica also shares the words that have become her new life statement: “The vision is bigger than the setback.” This is a conversation about hope, perspective, and continuing to live—even when the road ahead looks different than you expected. Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  5. Aug 1

    Talking With Your Doctor: Simple Ways to Get Better Care with Guest Pam Zelasko, MD.

    Have you ever left a doctor's appointment wishing you'd remembered to ask one more question? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Pam Zelasko joins us to share simple, practical tips for preparing for healthcare appointments, communicating with confidence, and building a stronger partnership with your healthcare team. It's a conversation filled with ideas that can help you feel more informed, empowered, and heard.  Download our Guide to Getting the Most From Your Healthcare Visit HERE. Popular symptom trackers:  https://bearable.app/ https://www.curablehealth.com/ https://managemypainapp.com/ http://www.mypaindiary.com/ https://flaredown.com/ https://careclinic.io/ Chronic Illness Tracker:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=chronic.illness.tracker&hl=en_US https://medisafeapp.com/ https://sleepcycle.com/ Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  6. Jul 18

    How to Cope with Uncertainty When Life Feels Unpredictable with Guest Susie Marsh

    What happens when the person everyone else depends on suddenly becomes the one who needs help?  In this episode, we're joined once again by professional organizer and Michigan NAPO President Susie Marsh. After an unexpected series of heart health challenges turned her world upside down, Susie shares the realities of navigating chronic illness, accepting support, rebuilding her health, and discovering new priorities along the way. Her story is an honest reminder that healing isn't just about recovering physically—it's about learning to adapt, finding gratitude, and creating systems that help us through life's most difficult seasons.  Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  7. Jul 8

    Real Stories: What Living with Chronic Illness Really Looks Like with Guest Allison Troyer Wiswell

    Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

  8. Jul 6

    Real Stories: Finding Hope When the Answers Aren't Easy with Guest Allison Troyer Wiswell

    Receiving a diagnosis is often just the beginning of the journey. In Part 2 of our conversation with certified professional coach Allison Troyer Wiswell, we move beyond the diagnosis to talk about what it really takes to live well with chronic illness. Allison shares her personal experience navigating autoimmune disease, chronic pain, grief, and the challenges of finding answers within the healthcare system. Together, Deb Timmerman, RN, Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT, and Allison discuss the emotional side of chronic illness, the importance of self-advocacy, the role of caregivers, and why building a support system can make all the difference. They also explore how our thoughts, emotions, and nervous system influence the way we experience pain and healing. If you've ever felt discouraged by unanswered questions, overwhelmed by medical appointments, or wondered if anyone truly understands what you're going through, this conversation offers practical wisdom and genuine hope. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why receiving a diagnosis doesn't always bring immediate answers.  How to become a stronger advocate for your own health.  The emotional impact of living with chronic illness and chronic pain.  Why caregivers need support too.  How mindset and nervous system health can influence the experience of pain.  Small steps that can help you move forward with greater hope and resilience. Whether you're living with a chronic condition yourself or caring for someone who is, this episode is a reminder that while the journey isn't always easy, you don't have to walk it alone. Follow Us: Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/ Stay tuned for more conversations to empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

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About

Welcome to Less Stress in Life, the podcast where science, compassion, and practical strategies come together to help you live well—even when life doesn't go according to plan. Hosted by registered nurse and board-certified reflexologist Deb Timmerman and physical therapist Lindsay Vertalka, our conversations explore the connection between stress, pain, the nervous system, and overall well-being. Together, we share evidence-informed insights, real-life experiences, and simple tools that can help you better understand your body and support your health. Whether you're living with chronic pain or illness, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for practical ways to reduce stress and improve your quality of life, you'll find encouragement, education, and hope here. Because living well isn't about having a perfect body. It's about learning to work with the one you have.

Information

  • Creator
    Unknown
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Less Stress In Life
  • Show Website
    Less Stress In Life