Less Stress in Life by Deb Timmerman

09/09/2026

Join us for a FREE evening in October to explore how movement, stress, mindset, and education can work together to help you better understand chronic pain and discover new possibilities for living well.

09/07/2026

Change isn’t just something we think about. Our bodies respond to it, too.

This week, simply notice what happens in your body when you think about making a change.

No need to change the response or figure it out. Awareness is the best place to begin.

09/06/2026

The National Association of Reflexology Educators, American Reflexology Credentialing Board and the Reflexology Association of America have collaboratively agreed and updated the definition of reflexology.

Reflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally. The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field.”

09/06/2026

September has always felt more like a fresh start to me than New Year’s.

New school shoes. A fresh notebook. A new grade. A chance to leave some things behind and look ahead.

But even when we’re ready for change, old patterns can be hard to leave behind. There’s a reason for that.

This week’s blog explores Why Change Feels Hard Even When You Want It

https://lessstressinlife.com/2063/

09/04/2026

Thought I’d share Lindsay Vertalka, Physical Therapist’s post about Chronic Pain month. If you missed the podcast she’s referring to you can listen here: https://lessstressinlife.com/2044/ or on your favorite podcast channel

If you listened to the podcast I co-host this week, you know that Less Stress in Life by Deb Timmerman and I discussed some of the myths there are about chronic pain. September happens to be "Pain Awareness Month," so I will be posting a lot this month about these myths, as well as more helpful ways of thinking about them.

Chronic pain isn't simply a problem with a body part. It's a complex experience influenced by the body, brain, nervous system, environment, experiences, emotions, sleep, stress, and so much more. Understanding pain can be the first step toward living differently with it.

I hope everyone has a great long weekend with some time to rest and recover from any recent life stressors or chaos🥰

09/03/2026

People often come to reflexology because something hurts, but I don’t begin by focusing only on the painful area.

In a clinical reflexology session, I routinely work reflexes associated with the nervous system, including the brain, spine, solar plexus, and autonomic nervous system.

Why? Because pain doesn’t happen in isolation. Stress, sleep, emotions, previous experiences, and the nervous system’s level of sensitivity can all influence the pain experience.

Reflexology gives us another way to work with the whole person, not just the place that hurts.

09/02/2026

September always feels a little like a reset to me.

Summer routines shift, calendars change, and suddenly we’re trying to find our rhythm again.

So I’m curious…

What’s one routine you’re trying to get back to this fall?

Mine is protecting a little more unscheduled time.

09/02/2026

Fall is shaping up to be a busy one at Less Stress in Life!

I have several workshops, collaborations, and opportunities to learn and connect coming up over the next few months.

From nervous system and stress care to reflexology, chronic pain, and a few special collaborations, there’s a lot happening.

You can find all upcoming events in one place here: https://lessstressinlife.com/events/

09/01/2026

What if some of what you’ve been told about chronic pain isn’t the whole story?

In our newest podcast episode, Lindsay Vertalka of Lindsay Vertalka, Physical Therapist and I unpack some common chronic pain myths, from pain always meaning damage, to rest always being best and explore what current pain science tells us instead.

🎧 Listen to Chronic Pain Myths That Might Be Keeping You Stuck here https://lessstressinlife.com/2044/ or find it on your favorite podcast channel.

A little more understanding can open the door to new possibilities.

08/31/2026

Mindful Monday: Body Check-In

Last week, we started by simply noticing what was happening in the body.

This week, notice your emotions. What am I feeling right now?

Then get curious. Does that emotion show up somewhere in your body? Maybe tension in your shoulders, a tight jaw, heaviness in your chest, or a fluttery stomach.

You don't have to change it. Just notice.

Awareness helps us recognize what is happening before stress has a chance to build.