Oh, That Middle School Math! Middle school brings out big feelings for all of us. Parents often feel pressure for their children to succeed in school. For them, their child’s grades may represent what they perceive as their child’s effort or intelligence, or may even represent their child’s future success. For other parents, middle school may stir up memories of their own experiences, some which are not pleasant. I have a few middle school nightmares of my own. They include humiliating...

Enjoying ramen with protein and miso with my sister, and supporting our nervous systems, too. Kumako. San Jose. If you’re a capable, responsible, and get-things-done person who still feels tense, tired, or oddly on edge, this is for you. Many of us are stuck in what I call stress mode. It’s not dramatic stress or falling-apart stress, but the quiet kind that shows up as a clenched jaw, a busy mind, poor sleep, low patience, and a body that never fully relaxes. Oh yeah, as a health and life...

Do you or someone you know get stuck in the grocery isle unable to choose a tube of toothpaste? Experiencing difficulties paying attention? Are you overstimulated by thoughts or the environment? Do you cry easily, or get upset by everyday conversations? This type of overwhelm is not a matter of toughening up. It's a nervous system issue. These struggles reflect what's going on inside our bodies and minds. When our gut health is less than optimal, resilience and focus may be lowered. Many of...