Not Entirely Unlike Tea

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience of adult coloring — and why you can't worry and color at the same time. We'll talk about flow state, amygdala calming, & bilateral brain activation. We'll also cover why this hits differently for neurodivergent brains, and why low-demand creative activities like this are actually a nervous system need. Wanna try your own color...

In this episode, we'll peek at hidden language patterns that reveal what's really going on underneath our words. We'll talk about the language behind power dynamics, emotional connection, and how our underlying beliefs & past negative experiences pop up in our messaging. We'll see why pain-based messaging backfires, & offer practical ways to shift language patterns &amp...

In this episode, we'll peek at whether scary fictional content is actually good for your brain... and why the neuroscience might surprise you. We'll talk about what happens when your body reacts to something it knows isn't real, and why that can build resilience. We'll also cover why the TYPE of "recreational fear" matters, and why what works for one person may not fo...

In this episode, we'll peek at how the vagus nerve relates to anxiety & stress responses, and look at 4 free, accessible tools you can use anytime, anywhere, to relax yourself. We'll talk about vagal tone, why vocal vibration is one of the best free tools for anxiety, & how techniques like audible humming, chanting & yogic breathing quickly calm the nervous system. . . . oh h...

In this episode, we'll peek at why your brain treats every visible piece of clutter like an open browser tab it can't close. We'll talk about what's actually happening in your visual cortex, why a "mess" triggers a low-grade stress response (even when you stop noticing it), and why this hits differently for ADHD & neurodivergent brains. . . . oh hi & welcome t...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind why productivity patterns in neurodivergent brains get mislabeled as being "lazy," "unproductive," & "needing accountability," and why these assumptions are ridiculous. We'll look at motivation & dopamine, the importance of nervous system regulation, & why micro-mgt always flops.  And offer r...

In this episode, we'll peek at how air quality affects cognitive performance, focus, and memory, and look at the neuroscience behind how airborne particles can affect long-term brain changes. We'll also consider easy solutions for protecting valuable cognitive function and health. . . . oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m christine collins & together we'll exp...

In this episode, we'll peek at why you can't easily "tune out" background noise, and examine the neuroscience behind how chronic noise changes brain structure.  We'll also look at how blue light can override even the best sleep intentions, and how light and noise together amplify brain impacts. . . . oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m christine collins...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind why a simple soak in water, whether in a pool, bath, or ocean, can profoundly shift your mental state. We'll explore how water triggers measurable changes in your brain chemistry, nervous system, and emotional regulation, and why feeling "cleansed" isn't just metaphorical but also neurobiological. . . . oh hi & wel...

In this episode, we'll peek at why "peopling" depletes some brains faster than others, and the neuroscientific differences between introverts and extroverts. We'll look at dopamine sensitivity, acetylcholine, and brain structure. We'll also cover before-care and after-care strategies for recharging after interaction. . . . oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” –...

In this episode, we'll peek at why playing certain types of video games after trauma can reduce some of the impact of PTSD. We'll talk about visuospatial interference, and why a gaming habit might be unconscious emotional self-regulation. We'll also cover how bilateral stimulation calms your nervous system, using tools without overdependence, and other alternatives that help. . . ....

In this episode, we'll peek at how intermittent rewards are used in systems like slot machines, social media, and toxic relationships to keep you hooked. We'll talk about the neuroscience behind variable reward and why unpredictable rewards are more addictive than consistent ones. We'll also cover how this shows up in dating apps, workplace dynamics, and your phone habits, and how m...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind "affirmations" and their connection to our self-processing systems. We'll talk about why affirmations tied to your core values hit different than generic positive statements. We'll also talk about buffering against stress and the specifics needed to activate the neuro-scientific rewards (hint, it's not generic, ra...

In this episode, we'll peek at a goal you had from this year that didn't quiiite make it from the ethers out into the world by revisiting how "identity stories" inform our neuroscience and directly impact our outcomes. We'll also look at tools that enhance neuroplasticity for more future success. Enjoy your holidays! . . . oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” –...

In this episode, we'll peek at why talking out loud during anxiety can change your brain activity. We'll cover the neuroscience behind emotion-labeling and how language circuits help override fear centers. We'll also chat about creative ways to use this, from insomnia to daily moments of ick, you can shift how you're feeling with this bit of knowledge! . . . oh hi & welcome...

In this episode, we'll peek at what your brain picks up on that you don't consciously notice, and why "intuitive gut feelings" may be connected to neuroscience. We'll talk about micro-expressions, peripheral threat detection, and how you can smell emotions in others. We'll look at how intuition intersects with science as your brain processes thousands of subconscious...

In this episode, we'll peek at why scrolling isn't a "willpower" problem, but an exploitation of your brain's reward systems (kinda like slot machines!). We'll cover the neuroscience behind the prefrontal cortex "battling" dopamine loops, and how stress makes it worse. We'll also talk about practical strategies that actually WORK with your brain's...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind creating autonomous characters with childhood play using toys & stuffies.  We'll look at how it translates into adult creative skills like writing, storytelling & even marketing - and how it may have built the perfect neural infrastructure for business & entrepreneurship.  And how to grow it further in adulthood! . . . oh...

In this episode, we'll peek at why "outcome-only" goals often backfire (and why it's not your fault). We'll talk about the brain science behind why chasing pure results feels exhausting, and how identity-based goals work with your neural wiring instead of against it. We'll also cover how to shift from "I want to achieve this" to "I'm someone who do...

In this episode, we'll peek at why PTSD isn't just "mental" or "psychological," but involves your whole body's inflammatory system. We'll talk about how trauma rewires both brain and immune responses, and why somatic techniques like EFT work so well for healing. . . . oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m christine collins & together we&...

In this episode, we'll peek at why "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is actually backwards from a neuroscience view. We'll talk about how trauma ACTUALLY changes your brain, how hyper-vigilance kicks in, and the relief that can be found with evidence-based healing therapies that actually work. . . . oh hi & welcome to “Not Entirely Unlike Tea” – i’m christine...

In this episode, we'll peek at why notifications hijack your focus before you can even think.  We'll talk about the neuroscience behind notification addiction and attention fragmentation, and a few concrete strategies to readily reclaim your focus.  We'll also cover what happens when your nervous system gets stuck in digital overwhelm, and how to give your brain the recovery time it...

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience behind "disappointment" & why we feel worse when something falls short of expectations vs. if we'd never gotten excited in the 1st place. We'll talk about dopamine prediction errors, the  difference between "desire" & "satisfaction" in your brain, and why your reward system is designed more for the...

In this episode, we'll peek at why people seek out reasons your hardship was somehow preventable or your fault (& why our brains are wired this way). We'll talk about the neuroscience behind witnessing hardship, the subconscious / psychological need to justify it, & why it's so pronounced when we feel similar to the victim. We'll also cover how to build compassion. . ....

In this episode, we'll peek at the neuroscience of "venting"... does it heal your emotions or keep you stuck in negative patterns? We'll look at the benefits of oxytocin release & co-regulation that calm the nervous system, as well as the "dark side" of how excessive venting can deepen neural pathways for rumination & negative thought patterns, & talk abou...