Words of Wellness with Shelly

Shelly Jefferis

Do you get confused by all of the information that is available regarding ways to improve your health and wellness?  Do you often become frustrated or overwhelmed with decisions on how to be your healthiest? We all know and understand how important our health and wellness is to the vitality of our lives, however navigating the wealth of health and wellness information available can often feel overwhelming. Understanding the significance of our well-being in leading fulfilling lives is crucial, yet determining what steps to take that are essential for our health can often be confusing. Welcome everyone to "Words of Wellness"! In this podcast, hosted by Shelly Jefferis, M.A., a seasoned health and wellness professional with over 35 years in the industry, all of your questions will be answered and clarity will be provided through personal stories, education, tips and inspiration. Throughout her profession, Shelly has always had the heart and desire to help others feel their best and live their best lives through her supportive and compassionate approach. Through engaging solo and guest episodes, several topics will be addressed, questions will be answered and clarity will be provided in an effort to lead you to a healthier, more energetic life. With a master’s degree in kinesiology, extensive experience as an educator, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, Shelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for empowering others to feel their best. By featuring industry experts and relatable individuals, the podcast promises personal stories, practical advice, and inspiration. She is excited to come to you weekly sharing all she has experienced, learned and discovered through the years. Whether you're seeking to elevate your well-being, gain practical insights for personal health, or simply be inspired to live a high quality vibrant life, this is the podcast is for YOU!  Be sure to tune in weekly and join us along our  "Words of Wellness" journey and embark on a path toward a healthier and more fulfilling quality of life full of happiness, energy and joy! 

  1. 1d ago

    Shelly's Shares: Your Daily Health & Wellness Choices Become Your Family’s Future

    Send us Fan Mail Your kids are learning “normal” from you, even on the days you think nothing is happening. As Shelly gets close to 200 episodes of Words of Wellness, she wanted to share a message that sits right at the heart of why she started this show: wellness, health, and longevity aren’t just personal goals, they’re a legacy. We dig into what it really means to model healthy habits for your children and why the payoff often shows up later, not immediately. Shelly shares personal stories from her active family life, including what happens when structured sports and busy schedules fade and your kids have to choose movement on their own. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this making a difference?” She wants you to hear this clearly: it is. We also talk directly to moms who feel guilty for taking time for self-care. That guilt is common, but it’s also costly. When we treat our own health like it doesn’t matter, our kids absorb that lesson. When we prioritize simple habits like walking, strength training, better nutrition, and emotional wellbeing, we give our families a blueprint for vitality. If this resonates, subscribe to Words of Wellness, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and please rate and review so more people can find the show. What’s one small habit you want to pass down in your family? CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    14 min
  2. 6d ago

    Practical Ways To Eliminate Hurry And Feel Calm - A Special Episode For the Season of Life Many Are Experiencing

    Send us Fan Mail Hurry has a sneaky way of feeling normal, until you realize your days are packed and your mind never truly lands. After a full season of travel, family time, and big milestones, we wanted to pause and share a message that’s both simple and challenging: the little things you do every day add up, including the pace you keep. If you’ve been craving more calm, more clarity, and a steadier mood, this conversation is for you.  We pull practical ideas inspired by The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and translate them into real-life wellness habits you can start today. We talk about building a slow morning routine, protecting quiet time, and why checking your phone the second you wake up can flip your nervous system straight into stress. You’ll also hear concrete ways to slow down in places you might not expect, like driving the speed limit, choosing the slow lane, fully stopping at stop signs, and even occasionally picking the longest checkout line to practice patience and presence.  We also get into digital boundaries for mental health, including setting specific times for email, adding time limits to social media, and avoiding the scroll that steals your attention. From there, we zoom out to deeper restoration: walking slower, journaling, meditation, silence and solitude, and why longer vacations can create the kind of real rest that short getaways don’t always deliver. Along the way, we connect these choices to stress management, nervous system regulation, longevity, and the ability to actually feel joy in your everyday life.  If this resonates, subscribe to Words of Wellness, share it with a friend who’s been running on empty, and please leave a rating and review so more people can find these wellness tools. CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    24 min
  3. May 25

    Shelly's Shares: Faith Meets Baseball, She Prayed For One Thing And Watched It Happen

    Send us Fan Mail A special, personal share; a faith story related to a baseball tournament, two sons on two different college baseball paths, and the hope that everyone would be together. This is what happens when you pray for something specific and then have faith that whatever is meant to be, will be.  Shelly shares a personal moment from a Big Ten baseball conference tournament. She talks briefly about sports, travel and work schedules, and that familiar tug-of-war between planning ahead and overthinking and the hope of her family all being together. Then the surprise happened when her oldest son arrived! What might have seemed like a small event,  was a moment she had prayed would happen....this is a brief story about faith and what had been hoped for, came true. From a wellness perspective, we connect the dots between faith and wellness, prayer and mental health, and how a sense of peace can anchor you when you can’t control the outcome. Whether you practice spirituality or you simply want stronger emotional resilience, this story offers a grounded reminder: you can hold hope and still loosen your grip, and sometimes that’s exactly where joy finds you. If this resonates, subscribe to Words of Wellness, share the episode with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find the show. What’s a moment in your life when “peace” showed up before the answer did? CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    12 min
  4. May 20

    A Swim Coach’s Heart Transplant Wake Up Call

    Send us Fan Mail A heart transplant is a medical event, but it’s also a crash course in how you live. Guest  Jimmy Owens brings a perspective you don’t hear every day: a veteran swim coach and wellness-minded leader who suddenly had to stop coaching everyone else and fight for his own life. Jimmy shares how injuries and testing revealed serious heart function issues, how he lived with congestive heart failure for years, and how getting COVID twice became the turning point that landed him in the hospital and on the path to a heart transplant.  We get honest about what the waiting is really like, including time on ECMO, the fear of not knowing if “tomorrow” shows up, and the mindset shifts that helped Jimmy keep going. He also breaks down organ donor matching and why the transplant list isn’t just about time, it’s about medical urgency and compatibility. If you’ve searched for heart transplant recovery stories, resilience after illness, or motivation to rebuild your health, Jimmy’s clarity and candor will stay with you.  We also dig into wellness at ground level: nutrition choices during recovery, the weird logic of “sugar-free” hospital food, and why treating your body like a temple doesn’t require perfection. Jimmy shares the practical habits he changed after surgery like cutting soda, avoiding excess alcohol, and choosing consistency over guilt, plus the reminder that it’s never too late to make a small change that adds up to a longer, stronger life.  If this conversation helps you, please subscribe to Words of Wellness, share it with a friend, and leave a rating and review so more people can find these stories. CONNECT WITH JIMMY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimmyowens Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimmyOwens CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    30 min
  5. May 18

    Strength Training For Everyday Independence

    Send us Fan Mail Groceries are heavy for a reason, and they tell the truth. While walking home from the store with two full bags, Shelly had a simple realization: staying active is not just a “fitness goal,” it is how we protect our ability to live independently. If carrying groceries, walking a mile, lifting your kids, or taking the stairs leaves you out of breath, that is a signal your body is asking for more strength and stamina, not more guilt. Shelly talks through why functional fitness and activities of daily living matter so much, especially for midlife moms and dads who want to feel capable now and later. She also shares a small lifestyle shift that she and her husband  made: walking to the gym together, using that walk as a built-in warm-up, then walking home after lifting. It is simple, realistic, and it turns exercise into something that supports real life instead of competing with it. The conversation also get into facts and the long term goals: muscle mass naturally declines after age 30, but consistent strength training helps protect your metabolism, bone density, balance, and stability. That matters for fall prevention, healthy aging, longevity, and the confidence to keep doing what you love. Shelly offers easy ways to make it a part of your routine, including dumbbells, machines, and bodyweight basics like squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups. If this mindset shift helps you, subscribe to Words of Wellness, share the episode with a friend who wants to feel stronger, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us. CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    13 min
  6. May 13

    How To Do High Intensity Interval Training Correctly

    Send us Fan Mail Most workouts labeled “HIIT” are really just hard interval circuits and that one mix-up can be the reason you feel exhausted but don’t see the fat loss, power, or muscle definition you were promised. We get specific about what high intensity interval training actually is: near maximal cardiovascular effort with recovery that’s long enough to repeat that same max effort again. If you can’t reproduce your output, it’s a sign your rest is too short or your intensity isn’t truly high.  We are joined by Heather Flebbe, an exercise physiologist, a local studio owner at FitFix, and college professor, to cut through misinformation with simple, practical exercise science. We talk about why real HIIT recruits fast twitch muscle fibers, how it supports performance and muscle definition, and why the metabolism boost (EPOC or the afterburn) depends on how close you get to peak intensity. Heather also shares a clear guideline for frequency: one to two HIIT sessions per week, plus the recovery habits that make those sessions count, including hydration with electrolytes and refueling with carbohydrates and protein.  We also dig into programming details most people never hear, like work-to-rest ratios that can range from 1:2 to 1:8 depending on interval length, and why longer rest can actually create better training results. You’ll learn how to use waking resting heart rate to gauge recovery, why recovery heart rate is a meaningful marker for longevity, and how training your body to spike stress and return to baseline is part of becoming more resilient. And yes, we address the cortisol fear head-on with a science-based perspective that puts context back into the conversation.  If this helped you rethink your HIIT training, subscribe to Words of Wellness, share it with a friend who loves “HIIT” classes, and leave a rating and review so more people can find accurate, usable wellness guidance. CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    32 min
  7. May 11

    Shelly's Shares: Honoring Moms With Presence And Self-Care

    Send us Fan Mail Motherhood can be the biggest blessing and the heaviest load, sometimes in the same hour. Shelly takes a quiet moment after Mother’s Day to honor you, whether you became a mom through birth, adoption, being a mother figure, or even loving and caring for your “fur babies.” What you do matters, and the parts no one sees count, too.  Shelly talks about why her family-first choices shape the memories we keep, and why presence beats perfection every time. Yes, life is full and you cannot be everywhere, but when you put in real effort to show up, there’s deep peace in knowing you gave what you could. She also reflects on the mothers and mother figures who raise us in different ways, and how support can come from unexpected relationships that still leave a lifelong imprint.  Then we get practical with wellness for moms: filling your cup first so you can care for others without burning out. Shelly shares simple self-care anchors like movement and exercise, sleep, nutrient-dense nutrition, time in nature, quiet reflection or prayer, and staying connected to friends and community for stronger mental health and emotional well-being. Before you go, she challenges you to choose one small act of self-care this week and actually do it.  If you found this encouraging, subscribe to Words of Wellness, share it with a mom who needs the reminder, and leave a quick rating and review so more listeners can find this message. CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    17 min
  8. May 6

    From Childhood Chaos To Nervous System Healing

    Send us Fan Mail A school shooting. A childhood shaped by addiction and neglect. A brother’s sudden death witnessed up close. Melissa’s story is hard to hear at times, but it also explains something many of us feel and cannot name: trauma does not stay in the past just because we stop talking about it.  We continue our conversation with Melissa, an RN turned holistic trauma and anxiety coach, as she shares how complex PTSD, anxiety, and grief showed up in her life through nightmares, hypervigilance, risky coping, and a deep sense of self-blame. We also talk about the way trauma can steer our choices, including how working in a pediatric ICU can be meaningful while still keeping the nervous system in constant survival mode. If you have ever wondered why you feel “fine” on the outside but your body says otherwise, you will recognize the mind-body connection in her experience with physical symptoms like IBS, hives, migraines, and chronic stress.  From there, we shift into healing. Melissa breaks down nervous system regulation in plain language and offers a powerful reframe: trauma is not the event, it is what happens inside you when you do not feel safe, seen, or supported. She challenges the habit of ranking pain as “big T” or “little t,” and we explore why validating your emotions matters, without letting emotions drive the bus. We also discuss meditation, neuroplasticity, somatic work, and how prayer and faith can become part of recovery for some people.  If trauma, anxiety, PTSD recovery, or holistic healing is part of your world, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more equipped. Subscribe to Words of Wellness, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find these stories. CONNECT WITH MELISSA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaArmstrong holistichealthbymelissa.com CONNECT WITH SHELLY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis  A few of Shelly's favorite clean products: High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix Clean-crafted wine, free from chemicals & pesticides: https://scoutandcellar.com/?u=healthyhappyhours JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners: https://goodjujucandles.com/?ref=mrtgnygh Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share  the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message. Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!  In Health,  Shelly

    37 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Do you get confused by all of the information that is available regarding ways to improve your health and wellness?  Do you often become frustrated or overwhelmed with decisions on how to be your healthiest? We all know and understand how important our health and wellness is to the vitality of our lives, however navigating the wealth of health and wellness information available can often feel overwhelming. Understanding the significance of our well-being in leading fulfilling lives is crucial, yet determining what steps to take that are essential for our health can often be confusing. Welcome everyone to "Words of Wellness"! In this podcast, hosted by Shelly Jefferis, M.A., a seasoned health and wellness professional with over 35 years in the industry, all of your questions will be answered and clarity will be provided through personal stories, education, tips and inspiration. Throughout her profession, Shelly has always had the heart and desire to help others feel their best and live their best lives through her supportive and compassionate approach. Through engaging solo and guest episodes, several topics will be addressed, questions will be answered and clarity will be provided in an effort to lead you to a healthier, more energetic life. With a master’s degree in kinesiology, extensive experience as an educator, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, Shelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for empowering others to feel their best. By featuring industry experts and relatable individuals, the podcast promises personal stories, practical advice, and inspiration. She is excited to come to you weekly sharing all she has experienced, learned and discovered through the years. Whether you're seeking to elevate your well-being, gain practical insights for personal health, or simply be inspired to live a high quality vibrant life, this is the podcast is for YOU!  Be sure to tune in weekly and join us along our  "Words of Wellness" journey and embark on a path toward a healthier and more fulfilling quality of life full of happiness, energy and joy!