Advertise on podcast: Mental HEALTH Break With Dr. Nafisa Sekandari

Share your thoughts here! September is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and check in with yourself. As part of my Happiness Project, this month I’m focusing on stress, overwhelm, and burnout, and how we can make intentional changes before we become completely depleted. After reflecting on the first nine months of the year, I’ve been asking myself some important questions: Where is my energy going? What is creating unnecessary stress? What do I need to release, delegate, or change? Where do I need stronger boundaries? And what can I do now to create a healthier and happier life? In this episode, we’ll talk about how to recognize the warning signs of burnout, understand what is contributing to your stress, and begin making practical changes that protect your energy and well-being. In This Episode, We Explore: The difference between everyday stress and burnoutHow to recognize your personal warning signs of burnoutWhy constantly pushing yourself can eventually leave you depletedTaking an honest look at where your time and energy are goingFocusing on what you can control and releasing what you cannotLearning to delegate and ask for helpCreating healthier boundaries without guiltWhy rest and recovery are essential for long-term well-beingSimple ways to regulate your nervous system and reduce stressHow taking care of yourself creates a positive ripple effect in your relationshipsReflecting on the past nine months and deciding what you want to changeCreating a vision for the person you want to be moving forwardYour September Reflection Take a few minutes this month to ask yourself: What is draining my energy? What am I carrying that I need to release? What can I delegate? Where do I need better boundaries? What do I want the next chapter of my life to feel like? You don't have to wait for a new year to make a change. Every day gives us an opportunity to pause, reset, and make a different choice. The Happiness Project is about creating more happiness, peace, health, and fulfillment through small, intentional changes that can create a ripple effect throughout our lives. If you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply ready for a reset, this episode is for you. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! What if some of the beliefs shaping your life today were created when you were seven years old? For the month of August, I'm turning my Happiness Project inward. Instead of focusing on what’s happening around me, I’m exploring what’s happening within me, specifically, the subconscious programming that may be influencing my thoughts, emotions, reactions, relationships, fears, and even my dreams. Our early experiences can shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. As children, we often create explanations for what happens to us based on the limited perspective we have at that age. And sometimes, those explanations become beliefs we carry into adulthood. “I’m not good enough.” “I have to be perfect.” “I can’t trust people.” “I have to take care of everyone else.” “Success is the only way I’m worthy.” “It’s not safe to speak up.” But what if those beliefs aren't actually facts? What if they were simply interpretations created by a younger version of you who was trying to understand and navigate the world? In this episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, I explore why it's so important to become aware of our subconscious programming and ask whether the beliefs we developed earlier in life are still serving the person we've become. In this episode, we explore: How early experiences can influence our subconscious beliefs and patternsWhy childhood interpretations aren't necessarily adult truthsHow survival strategies can become limiting patterns later in lifeWhy perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear, and avoidance may have once served a protective purposeThe difference between a thought, a belief, and a factWhy becoming aware of your patterns is the first step toward changing themHow neuroplasticity gives us the ability to develop new patterns and ways of respondingQuestions you can ask yourself to identify beliefs that may no longer serve youWhy you have permission to update the "operating system" you've been living fromYour Happiness Project Reflection This month, I invite you to ask yourself: What belief about myself have I been carrying for years? Where did it come from? Who taught me that? Is it actually true? Does it still serve the person I'm becoming? And perhaps most importantly: What would I believe about myself if I were no longer living from that old story? You don't have to continue living according to programming that was created decades ago. Awareness gives you the opportunity to choose differently. Your past may have influenced your programming, but it doesn't have to determine your future. 🎧 Listen to the full episode and begin exploring the beliefs beneath your behaviors, reactions, and patterns. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! What if some of the fears, self-doubt, anxiety, or emotional patterns you've struggled with didn't actually begin with you? In this fascinating episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari sits down with global epigenetics thought leader Lisa Thomas to explore the emerging science of epigenetics and how our family history may influence our emotional well-being, behaviors, and beliefs. Lisa shares how inherited patterns can shape our lives, why high achievers often unknowingly carry emotional burdens passed down through generations, and how combining modern epigenetic research with deep inner healing can help create lasting transformation. Whether you've ever wondered why you repeat the same unhealthy patterns, struggle with anxiety despite your success, or feel held back by invisible emotional blocks, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on healing from the inside out. In This Episode You'll Learn: What epigenetics is and how it may influence mental and emotional healthHow trauma and stress can affect future generationsWhy high achievers often experience hidden fears and limiting beliefsThe connection between inherited emotional patterns and anxietyHow awareness is the first step toward breaking generational cyclesPractical ways to begin creating healthier patterns for yourself and future generationsThis episode blends science, psychology, and personal transformation to help you better understand the roots of your emotional experiences and empower you to create lasting change. About Lisa Thomas Lisa Thomas is a Global Epigenetics Thought Leader, TEDx speaker, international mentor, keynote speaker, and founder of Epigenetics for Global Impact. Her work bridges cutting-edge epigenetic science with deep energetic healing to help individuals uncover the unconscious beliefs, fears, and emotional patterns that may have been passed down through generations. Through her proprietary Soul Awakening Method™, Lisa guides high-achieving individuals toward greater self-awareness, emotional freedom, and authentic success by addressing the root causes beneath recurring life patterns. Connect with Lisa Thomas Lisa's website Instagram Connect with Dr. Nafisa Sekandari If you're ready to overcome anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and burnout naturally, visit DrSekandari.com to learn more about coaching programs, online courses, speaking events, and free mental health resources. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! Money isn't just about numbers...it carries stories, beliefs, fears, and habits that are often passed down from generation to generation. In this powerful episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari sits down with financial educator and entrepreneur Maria Renteria, CEO and Founder of Money Matters NOW, to explore the emotional side of money, how our upbringing shapes our financial decisions, and why so many high-achieving women continue to play small despite their incredible potential. Maria shares her remarkable journey from earning a six-figure income in the beauty industry to losing everything she thought was secure during the pandemic. That life-changing experience forced her to ask a question many of us avoid: What happens if your income stops? What she discovered transformed not only her finances, but her entire philosophy about wealth. Together, Dr. Sekandari and Maria explore how breaking generational cycles isn't just about healing emotional wounds—it's also about changing the financial beliefs we've inherited. Many of us grew up believing there wasn't enough, that money was scarce, or that success had to come through endless hard work. Those beliefs quietly influence our decisions long into adulthood. This conversation challenges listeners to replace a scarcity mindset with one of possibility. Maria explains why successful entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals often ask a different question than everyone else. Instead of asking, "Can I afford this?" they ask, "How can I afford this?" They learn to leverage opportunities, partnerships, financing, and other people's resources to invest in growth rather than allowing fear or lack to keep them stuck. Dr. Sekandari also dives into the psychology behind why so many ambitious women struggle to step into greater success. Even after earning degrees, building businesses, or advancing in their careers, many continue to battle imposter syndrome, fear of failure, fear of success, and unconscious self-sabotage. When we don't believe we're worthy of abundance, we often unconsciously reject the very opportunities we've been praying for. Maria shares practical strategies for building wealth intentionally—not just earning more money, but learning how to save, invest, protect assets, plan for retirement, create multiple streams of income, and leave a legacy for future generations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, parent, or someone who simply wants a healthier relationship with money, this episode will inspire you to think differently about wealth, purpose, and what's truly possible for your future. Because breaking generational curses isn't only about overcoming trauma—it's about creating new patterns of abundance that your children and future generations can inherit. In This Episode You'll Learn:  Why your childhood experiences shape your money mindset  How limiting beliefs around money are passed through generations  The connection between anxiety, fear, and financial decision-making  Why high-achieving women often struggle with imposter syndrome and self-sabotage  How to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset  The difference between earning income and building wealth  Why asking "How can I afford this?" creates more opportunities than "I can't afford it." How successful people responsibly leverage financing and other people's money to create long-term wealth  Why financial education is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family  Practical strategies to build financial confidence and create a lasting legacy Key Takeaways ✔ Your money mindset is learned—and it can be changed. ✔ Scarcity isn't always about your bank account; it's often about your beliefs. ✔ High-achieving women frequently minimize their potential because fear feels safer than visibility. ✔ Wealth isn't built by income alone—it's built through intentional financial strategy. ✔ Breaking generational curses means changing both emotional patterns and financial habits. ✔ Financial freedom creates more than wealth—it creates choices, security, and opportunities for future generations. Connect with Maria Renteria Learn more about Maria and Money Matters NOW by following her work and exploring her financial education resources. Connect with Dr. Nafisa Sekandari If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Mental Health Break Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is ready to break free from limiting beliefs and build a life of purpose, peace, and financial confidence. For more resources on overcoming anxiety, healing your mindset, and creating lasting transformation, visit DrSekandari.com Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Where did your money mindset come from? For many of us, our beliefs about money weren't formed by financial education, they were shaped by childhood experiences, family dynamics, trauma, culture, and survival. In this deeply personal solo episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari shares her own journey with money...from being falsely accused of stealing as a child, losing her family's savings during the war in Afghanistan, immigrating to the United States as a refugee, and watching her parents rebuild their lives from the ground up. Although her family faced significant financial hardship, they modeled something even more valuable: humility, gratitude, financial discipline, and living below their means. Dr. Sekandari also opens up about how she recently discovered lingering anxiety around money while making a major investment in her business. That experience forced her to confront hidden fears of spending, debt, and financial security, and ultimately led her to redefine her relationship with wealth. This episode explores the psychology of money, scarcity versus abundance, and why financial freedom isn't just about accumulating wealth...it's about creating impact. If you've ever experienced financial anxiety, struggled to spend money, feared investing in yourself, or wondered why money feels emotionally charged, this conversation will help you uncover the roots of your beliefs and begin shifting them. In This Episode You'll Learn:  How childhood experiences shape your money mindset  The lasting psychological impact of financial trauma and scarcity  Why immigrants often develop unique beliefs around money  How anxiety can influence spending, saving, and investing  The difference between living from scarcity versus abundance  Why money is a tool...not your identity or your worth  How generosity can transform your relationship with wealth  Why financial freedom creates opportunities to serve others  Reflection questions to help identify your own limiting beliefs about money This episode is an invitation to examine the stories you've been telling yourself about money—and decide whether those stories are still serving you. Your relationship with money can change, and with it, your ability to create the life...and impact you were meant to have. Take a few moments to journal after listening:  What is your earliest memory involving money?  What messages did your parents or caregivers teach you about wealth?  Do you associate money with fear, safety, freedom, guilt, or success?  What limiting beliefs about money are you ready to let go of?  If money were no longer an obstacle, how would you use it to make a difference in the world?Connect with Dr. Nafisa Sekandari If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from changing their relationship with money. For additional resources on anxiety, emotional wellness, and personal growth, visit https://www.drsekandari.com Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! In this powerful episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari sits down with entrepreneur, brand strategist, TEDx speaker, author, and CEO Moza-Bella Tram for an inspiring conversation about what it truly takes to build a meaningful life and impactful brand. Moza-Bella shares her journey from rebuilding her life to becoming the architect of The Brand Before the Brand™, teaching founders that visibility isn’t just a marketing strategy—it’s an identity decision. Together, we dive into the deeper layers of success, discussing why managing anxiety at the root is essential if you want to reach your full potential. As entrepreneurs, so much of our growth is tied to our mindset, emotional resilience, and willingness to invest in personal development. In this episode, we explore: ✨ How unresolved anxiety can quietly limit your success ✨ Why healing your mindset is one of the greatest business investments you can make ✨ The power of visibility, branding, and owning your expertise ✨ What it takes to build a lasting legacy beyond money and success ✨ How finding your purpose creates deeper fulfillment ✨ Why giving back and serving others is the true measure of impact ✨ The reminder that when we leave this world, our good deeds are what remain Moza-Bella also shares insights from her work on the global stage, including speaking at TEDx, being recognized by the United Nations, and partnering with Grant Cardone in the 10X movement in Vietnam. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true success starts within—and that building a life of purpose, peace, and contribution is the ultimate legacy. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how to transform your anxiety, strengthen your mindset, and step into the fullest expression of your purpose. #MentalHealthBreakPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #AnxietyHealing #BrandStrategy #PersonalGrowth #LegacyBuilding #PurposeDrivenLife #MozaBellaTram #DrNafisaSekandari Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! Parenting can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life—but for many parents, it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting, and emotionally triggering, especially when raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, or neurodiverse children. In this powerful episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, I sit down with Melissa Schulz, MS, BCBA, parenting coach, board-certified behavior analyst, and recipient of the 2025 Evergreen Award for Best Parenting Coach in the United States. Melissa specializes in helping parents of strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiverse kids turn daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments using practical, evidence-based parenting strategies. Together, we unpack the emotional realities so many parents silently carry: The guilt of feeling like you're not doing enough. The overwhelm of managing meltdowns, difficult behaviors, and emotional dysregulation. The grief that can come with parenting a child with autism, ADHD, or severe behavioral challenges—especially the mourning of the “perfect” child you once imagined. And the often-overlooked connection between parental anxiety and children’s behavior. Many parents don’t realize that anxiety can be inherited—and that their child’s behaviors may trigger their own nervous system, stress responses, and unresolved emotional patterns. In this episode, Melissa shares how nervous system regulation is essential for both parents and children, and why co-regulation is one of the most powerful tools for building emotional safety, trust, and connection. In this episode, we discuss: • Parenting guilt and the pressure to be the “perfect” parent • Autism parenting and the grief of unmet expectations • Raising neurodiverse, strong-willed, and highly sensitive children • How anxiety in parents impacts children • Why challenging behavior can trigger parents emotionally • Nervous system regulation for families • Co-regulation strategies for emotional meltdowns • Parent burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion • Why self-care and self-compassion are critical for parents • Practical behavior tools to create calmer family dynamics This conversation is a must-listen for parents navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, behavioral challenges, or simply the everyday stress of parenting. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or questioned whether you’re doing enough, this episode will remind you that healing yourself is often one of the most powerful ways to help your child heal too. Connect with Melissa Schulz: Get her FREE guide: How to Get Kids to Listen Visit: melissaschulz.com Learn more about Melissa’s coaching and parenting resources at melissaschulz.com Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! Anxiety thrives on uncertainty, and lately, uncertainty seems to be everywhere. In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari shares the difficult lessons she learned after spending nearly the entire month of May battling chronic pain from a pinched nerve. What began as a month focused on stress management quickly became a real-life test of resilience, gratitude, flexibility, and emotional well-being. As we enter Month 6 of The Happiness Project, June's focus shifts to anxiety management and learning how to remain calm when life feels unpredictable. Whether your anxiety is being fueled by chronic pain, family vacations, world events, political uncertainty, travel concerns, or everyday stress, this episode will help you regain a sense of peace and control. Dr. Sekandari explores: ✔️ How chronic pain can increase anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm ✔️ Why uncertainty triggers anxiety and how to break free from the need for control ✔️ How world events, political instability, and constant news consumption impact mental health ✔️ The hidden ways anxiety sabotages family vacations and travel experiences ✔️ Practical strategies to stay grounded before and during travel ✔️ How prayer, gratitude, meditation, and nervous system regulation can reduce anxiety ✔️ Why mental flexibility is one of the strongest predictors of emotional health ✔️ Lessons learned from traveling internationally during uncertain times ✔️ How to stop catastrophizing and realistically assess risk ✔️ Reflecting on the first six months of The Happiness Project and creating a happier second half of the year One of the most important truths discussed in this episode is this: Peace does not come from certainty. Peace comes from learning how to remain grounded even when certainty is unavailable. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, fearful, exhausted, or consumed by worry about the future, this episode will provide practical tools and encouragement to help you move forward with greater confidence and calm. 🎧 Join the Happiness Project Community: drsekandari.com/happiness-project 💜 Apply for Dr. Sekandari's New Coaching Program: drsekandari.com 📱 We'd love to hear from you! Do family vacations increase your anxiety? What helps you stay calm when life feels uncertain? Share your thoughts in the comments or send us a message through the podcast platform. If this episode helped you, please share it with a friend or family member who struggles with anxiety, stress, uncertainty, or travel-related worries. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! What if the key to healing anxiety, trauma, and deeply rooted patterns isn’t just talking about it—but accessing the subconscious mind directly? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Craig Meriwether to explore the truth about hypnotherapy and why it’s becoming one of the most sought-after tools for rapid, lasting transformation. We break down the biggest myths surrounding hypnotherapy—including the common fears of losing control—and reveal what actually happens during a session. Craig explains how hypnotherapy works on a subconscious level to rewire limiting beliefs, release stored emotional patterns, and create meaningful change faster than traditional talk therapy alone. We also dive into the key differences between hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), helping you understand which modality may be right for you depending on your needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, overwhelm, or simply feel stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break, this episode will open your mind to a new, science-backed approach to healing. ✨ In this episode, we cover:  What hypnotherapy really is (and what it’s not)  The biggest myths and misconceptions debunked  How hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious mind for lasting change  Why hypnotherapy can produce faster results than talk therapy alone  The differences between hypnotherapy, EFT, and EMDR  Who can benefit most from hypnotherapy  Real-world applications for anxiety, trauma, confidence, and performance If you're ready to go beyond surface-level coping strategies and create deep, lasting transformation—this episode is for you. Connect with Craig at https://craigmeriwether.com/ Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode is a reminder that stress isn’t just something we occasionally experience  but for many people, it has become a daily way of living. In this episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari explores how unmanaged stress impacts both our mental and physical health, especially during a season filled with graduations, Mother’s Day, weddings, travel, social obligations, and financial pressure. Dr. Sekandari shares practical tools to help you regulate your nervous system, feel more grounded, and navigate stressful seasons with greater balance and intention. You’ll learn:  Why stress itself isn’t the problem  How your interpretation of stress shapes your emotional experience  The connection between stress, anxiety, burnout, and physical symptoms  Simple nervous system regulation tools you can use daily  Morning habits that reduce overwhelm and improve emotional balance  Nutrition and supplement tips to support stress management  Grounding techniques to calm anxiety in real time  How to create healthier boundaries around your time and energy Key Takeaways  Stress management is about learning how to respond differently — not eliminating stress completely.  Your nervous system plays a major role in emotional resilience.  Small intentional habits can dramatically improve mental wellness.  Grounding exercises can quickly reduce anxiety and bring you back into the present moment. Mentioned in This Episode  Qigong exercises  The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique  Ashwagandha  Holy Basil  Morning sunlight exposure  Nervous system regulation practices Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! April is a season of renewal, and in alignment with the Happiness Project’s monthly themes, this is the perfect time to turn inward and focus on restoring one of the most powerful systems in your body: your gut. Often referred to as the “second brain,” your gut plays a critical role not just in digestion, but in your mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore the deep connection between gut health, mood, and overall vitality, and how nurturing your microbiome can help you feel calmer, happier, and more energized. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Gut–Brain Connection: How your gut directly influences your mood through the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, the very chemicals responsible for feelings of happiness, motivation, and emotional stability. Why Gut Health Impacts Immunity: Nearly 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. A balanced microbiome strengthens your body’s defenses, while an imbalanced one can leave you more vulnerable to illness, inflammation, and fatigue. Hidden Toxins That Disrupt Your Gut: We break down how everyday exposures, such as herbicides, pesticides, synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, and antibacterial products, can damage your gut flora and reduce the diversity of beneficial bacteria. Foods That Heal & Nourish the Microbiome: Learn how to support your gut naturally by incorporating fiber-rich, prebiotic foods like onions, radishes, garlic, leafy greens, and other whole plant-based options that feed healthy bacteria and promote balance. Simple Shifts for Lasting Change: Small, intentional choices, like reducing processed foods, choosing organic when possible, and being mindful of unnecessary antibiotic use, can make a profound difference in your gut health and emotional resilience. Why This Matters When your gut is thriving, your mind follows. By focusing on healing and nourishing your microbiome, you’re not just improving digestion, you’re actively supporting your mental health, boosting your immune system, and creating a stronger foundation for lasting happiness. This April, let it be about more than just spring cleaning your home, consider it a reset for your body from the inside out. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! What if your anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue isn’t just mental—but deeply rooted in your hormones and nervous system? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. Jenn Mann to unpack the powerful connection between hormonal imbalances, stress, and mental health—and why so many high-achieving women are stuck in cycles of burnout, overwhelm, and unexplained symptoms. We explore how cortisol dysregulation, gut health, and nervous system imbalance impact everything from your mood to your digestion, sleep, and even conditions like endometriosis. This episode bridges the gap between psychology and physiology, offering a more holistic path to healing. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover:  The connection between hormonal imbalance and anxiety/depression How chronic stress and elevated cortisol disrupt your body  The overlooked link between endometriosis and mental health Why your gut health affects your mood and digestion How to activate your vagus nerve for calm and regulation  The role of naturopathic and holistic approaches in healing  Practical ways to improve sleep, energy, and emotional balance🔥 Key Takeaway: Your symptoms are not random—and they’re not “just in your head.” When you address your body holistically—hormones, nervous system, and stress response—you unlock real, lasting change. 🛠️ Tools & Practices Mentioned:  Vagus nerve activation techniques  Stress reduction strategies for lowering cortisol  Nervous system regulation practices  Lifestyle shifts for better digestion and sleep 💬 Who This Episode Is For: This episode is for high-achieving women who are:  Struggling with anxiety, burnout, or overwhelm  Dealing with hormonal imbalances or chronic stress  Experiencing symptoms like poor sleep, fatigue, or digestive issues  Ready to understand their body on a deeper, more holistic level Connect with Dr. Jenn Mann by visiting her website or follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/novawellnessmed/ ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps us bring more conversations like this to life. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! As part of The Happiness Project’s March theme: Parenting, this episode explores one of the most complicated topics families face today...food. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with eating disorder specialist Jessica Setnick to unpack why eating has become so confusing in modern culture. Between diet culture, viral wellness trends, and social media influencers promoting extreme or rigid ideas about “healthy eating,” many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even guilty about what they put on their plate. Jessica shares an important truth: anyone who eats can potentially develop a struggle with food. This episode explores how these cultural pressures impact both adults and children, why so many families are struggling with picky eating and food battles, and how parents can create a healthier environment around food at home. Because when it comes to raising healthy and emotionally secure kids, our relationship with food matters more than we realize. Throughout March, The Happiness Project is focusing on the theme of parenting and raising emotionally healthy children. Food is one of the earliest places children begin to develop beliefs about their bodies, control, comfort, and self-worth. The way families talk about food, weight, and health can shape a child’s relationship with eating for years to come. This conversation fits perfectly with our Parenting theme because it helps families: • Understand how children develop food beliefs  • Reduce stress and power struggles around meals  • Support kids who are picky eaters  • Avoid unintentionally passing down diet culture  • Create a calmer, healthier home environment around food When parents feel confident and informed, children are more likely to grow up with a balanced relationship with eating, their bodies, and themselves. In This Episode We Discuss • Why anyone who eats can potentially struggle with food • How diet culture has reshaped the way we think about eating • The confusing influence of social media nutrition advice • Why “clean eating” can sometimes become restrictive • The psychological impact of food rules and guilt • Early warning signs of disordered eating • Why picky eating develops in children • How parents can reduce mealtime stress • Ways to help kids build trust with hunger and fullness cues • What a healthy relationship with food actually looks like Key Takeaway Food should nourish our bodies....not create fear, shame, or confusion. When parents model flexibility, curiosity, and balance around food, children learn that eating is simply part of living well—not something to control or fear. About the Guest Jessica Setnick is a nationally recognized eating disorder specialist, registered dietitian, author, and educator who has spent decades helping individuals, families, and professionals better understand eating disorders and develop healthier relationships with food. If you’re enjoying these conversations, you’ll love being part of The Happiness Project community. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! Parenting is one of the most powerful forces shaping our emotional well-being, but many people don’t realize that the way we relate to parenting, both as parents and as children, can deeply impact our happiness. In this episode, we explore the March theme of The Happiness Project: Parenting and why improving our parenting skills, healing our childhood wounds, and practicing forgiveness can dramatically increase our sense of peace, joy, and emotional freedom. Parenting doesn’t only apply to how we raise our children. It also includes how we re-parent ourselves, care for our inner child, and process the unmet needs we may still carry from childhood. Many of us were raised by parents who did the best they could with the tools they had, but that doesn’t mean our emotional needs were always met. Holding onto resentment, hurt, or unrealistic expectations can create emotional weight that affects our relationships, our stress levels, and our happiness. Learning to forgive our parents, forgive ourselves, and even forgive our children for not meeting our expectations can be incredibly freeing. When we release these emotional burdens, we create space for greater compassion, connection, and joy. In today’s world, parenting can feel incredibly overwhelming. A hundred years ago, families were surrounded by communities that helped raise children and supported parents emotionally and practically. Today, many people feel isolated and pressured to figure everything out on their own. But the truth is: you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking support, guidance, and connection can make a profound difference in your mental health, your parenting, and your overall happiness. That’s exactly why I created The Happiness Project Private Membership Community, a supportive space where we can learn, grow, and navigate life’s challenges together throughout 2026. Inside the community, we explore themes like parenting, relationships, forgiveness, stress management, emotional resilience, and personal growth so you can feel more grounded, supported, and empowered in your life. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re carrying emotional burdens from the past, this episode will help you start shifting toward healing, compassion, and greater happiness. If you haven’t joined us yet, I’d love for you to come check it out. Join the community here:  drsekandari.com/happiness-project And remember...if it’s not the right fit for you, you can cancel anytime. You deserve support, connection, and happiness. You don’t have to do this journey alone. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com

Share your thoughts here! In this powerful and honest episode, we sit down with DJ Logory, founder of Be That Guy, to explore the growing mental health crisis among young men and how it’s impacting modern relationships. DJ shares his personal story of feeling lost in his early 20s despite having supportive parents—and how that experience opened his eyes to the silent struggles so many young men face today, including lack of direction, low confidence, and disconnection. This journey led him to create a movement that helps young men develop identity, purpose, and authentic self-confidence. We dive deep into the real conversations many people are afraid to have, including the effects of toxic masculinity, the overlooked impact of toxic femininity, and how both are contributing to a loneliness epidemic affecting both men and women. We also discuss the growing confusion around gender roles, dating, and how men and women relate to each other in today’s world. Additionally, we explore how the COVID era disrupted critical social development and communication skills, particularly for young men, and what that means for future relationships. This conversation offers a balanced, compassionate, and grounded perspective on mental health, identity, dating, masculinity, femininity, and emotional connection, giving listeners clarity, insight, and hope for building healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self. Follow DJ and learn more about the work he's doing by visiting: https://www.bethatguyclub.com/ Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about Dr. Sekandari or schedule a FREE consultation visit https://www.drsekandari.com