Stress isn’t inherently good or bad, it’s simply a natural response to something that feels threatening. During these moments of stress response, our bodies and nervous system can’t tell whether a lion is chasing you or your flight is delayed, all it knows is to react. But if we are able to create space in our bodies and minds, we can choose how we respond, not just react. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many of us feel like we have to know everything that’s going to happen, all of the time. But this feeling creates resistance in the mind. If we have to be so certain all the time, we lose space for curiosity, imagination, and even intimacy and connection with other people. This weekend, practice curiosity instead of certainty.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every time we think we’ve arrived somewhere, life has a way of changing our destination. It’s a constant work in progress, even when it feels like a decision or mistake we made is final. When we embrace the idea that nothing is final, we give ourselves the grace to begin again, no matter what happened before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you heard the saying “everything has been done before”? That may be true, but it hasn’t been done by you! The idea that nothing is original can come up when we’re scared of trying something new, but remember, as long as you bring your authentic self to the experience, it will feel totally unique.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We love how the wellness community connects online, and how much it’s grown! But it’s easy to see everyone’s wellness breakthroughs and ‘healing highlights’ on social media, and think that’s all wellness should be. Breakthroughs are amazing, but every step you take every single day counts. Today, think about where you were a year ago and celebrate just how far you’ve come.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you’re on your own path, it can cause some friction in your interpersonal relationships — especially if you’re on a new health and wellness journey that no one else in your family wants to come on with you. It can be tempting to try to push other people onto a healthier path, but the best way to convince people to follow is to be an example. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think back to your life a year ago. Chances are, you’re living in ways you may have only dreamed of. In the pursuit of our dreams, we often get caught up in the day-to-day struggle and forget how far we’ve come. Today, remember how far you’ve already come, and celebrate.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve all heard the axiom, the only constant is change. Many of us ‘fear’ change, because we’ve learned to associate change as a process to make up for what we lack, instead of changing with compassion and care. When we approach change with compassion, the process of changing becomes a dance instead of a weight looming overhead.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Question for you: Did you really have a bad day, or did you have a bad moment that clouded everything else? If we’re not careful, that bad ‘day’ can creep into a bad week, or month, or year! Practice accepting things as they are — not how you wish they would be — and see if that doesn’t help you move on faster from bad moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve all heard that complaining isn’t good for your mood,  but it’s also unhealthy for the body. It can actually damage your brain! Today, when the urge to complain arises, we invite you to try to reframe your reaction into something healthier — like gratitude — instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Love has many meanings and takes many forms. Many times the ways we act in love, it’s out of convenience. It can be transactional, or something we do out of obligation. But what would happen if we applied mindfulness to love, and attempt to act in love in a way that feels fully present in our mind and body? Try it today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In all interpersonal relationships, boundaries aren’t just common sense, they are healthy. Boundaries can be hard to set, but they’re a form of self-protection and self-care. Remember, they’re not there to keep others out, they’re there to keep you safer and happier.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Very often, the dreams we have for ourselves are very different from the dreams that our loved ones may have for us. That can create tension in the relationship, but remember, these people often have the best intentions. Still, you must find your own path. What is best for you is up to you, and no one else.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guidance can come from anywhere — and very often from places we didn’t expect, or even want. But anyone can be a teacher if you are willing to listen to them. It’s often the people who we underestimate that can teach us the most — if we let them. Keep your mind open, and listen to what guidance is coming your way.  Want Dora’s entire breakup collection? The entire collection is available now inside of the Headspace app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we talk about creating space in the mind in meditation, we are talking about allowing thoughts and feelings to breathe. This allows us perspective on a situation or pattern in our own lives. But when we do this for ourselves, we are also practicing doing this for other people. When we create space, we can see others for who they are. Not how we want them to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a thought in Eastern philosophy that a ‘demon’ isn’t a monster. It’s anything that hinders us from our liberation. These can be things that live within us. Today, instead of meeting your demons with judgment or attempts to repress, try to approach them with compassion and see how that makes you feel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Is there a part of you that you’ve been previously shamed for? Maybe it’s your name, your heritage, and personal expression are something to be proud of, instead of something to run away from. Embracing these things can help lead us to our destinies in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The only constant in life is change. And some of us embrace it more than others — especially when we think about how we as people are changing all the time. Today, dig up some old photos, and appreciate the you that you used to be!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All of the sensory information we receive every single day is filtered by one part of the brain: the reticular activating system, or RAS. We can encourage the RAS, and make new connections in our brain, by being more intentional with our focus. Today, focus on the good things to forge more positive connections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How is your breathing? Very often, when we get stressed or overwhelmed, we can lose track of our breath. Our breath is what guides us. Focus on it to check in with yourself, and to return to the present moment. Each breath holds a sense of possibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you express a negative emotion, how often are you told to “be positive” or “stay strong”? Today, we want to reframe how you think about strength. To be human is to experience the full range of the human experiences, so the next time you think to choose stoic strength over tears, consider allowing yourself to feel what comes natural to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Headspace Studios, we wish you a warm welcome to Sunday afternoons and to that creeping feeling of anxiety that seems to pop up around that time. You know the feeling... they're called the Sunday Scaries. Too cute a name for such a big feeling! But Headspace meditation teacher Dora Kamau is here to help you take it on, take back your Sundays, and enjoy your afternoons again. All new episodes of Sunday Scaries will be available exclusively on Spotify. Follow the show for new episodes, each Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most of us grew up with the mantra “work hard, play hard.” You can take extended periods of rest, like a vacation — but only if you work first! This weekend, take a mini-vacation or staycation. Prioritize rest, and we’ll see you back here on Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is a lot of wellness advice out there — what to eat, when to eat it, how to exercise, what ‘healthy’ looks like. But what much of this advice fails to mention is that none of it matters if it doesn't feel good to you. Let’s practice being mindful of what your body is telling you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s easy to be kind when you’re in a good mood, but opportunities to be kind can arise at any time. It’s those moments when we have to deliberately choose kindness that can ultimately result in more happiness, than moments when we already feel kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices