Is Your Gut Making You Anxious? The Gut-Brain Connection Explained

We’ve all had those “butterflies” before a big presentation, or that sinking feeling in the stomach when life throws us a curveball. That’s your gut-brain connection at work. But what if I told you that your digestive health influences so much more than butterflies? Your gut may be quietly shaping your mood, your energy, your sleep, and even your sense of calm.

In this first post of my 3-part mini-series, we’re diving into gut health — why it’s one of the hottest wellness topics right now, how it’s linked to your mental well-being, and what you can do (starting today) to heal from the inside out.

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🌱 The Science Made Simple

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes that together form your microbiome. Think of it as a bustling community — when it’s balanced, you thrive. When it’s out of balance, your health suffers.

Here’s where it gets fascinating: your gut and your brain are in constant conversation through the vagus nerve (your body’s “superhighway” of information). Roughly 90% of serotonin (your “feel-good” hormone) is produced in the gut, not the brain. No wonder what you eat and how you digest it can have such a powerful effect on your mood, energy, and resilience.

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🚫 Common Gut Disruptors

If you’ve been feeling off — anxious, bloated, or just not yourself — your gut might be waving a red flag. Some common culprits include:

• Ultra-processed foods packed with sugar and additives

• Stress & anxiety (cortisol changes how we digest food)

• Antibiotics and over-sanitization (which wipe out good bacteria too)

• Low-fiber diets that starve the microbiome

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🥑 Healing from the Inside Out

The good news? Your gut is resilient — and small changes make a big difference.

• Eat gut-loving foods: fermented foods (yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi), fiber-rich veggies, and prebiotic foods (bananas, garlic, asparagus).

• Soothe your system: meditation, Reiki, journaling, and mindful breathing lower stress that disrupts digestion.

• Practice mindful eating: slow down, savor your food, and notice how it makes you feel.

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📝 A Simple Weekly Challenge

Want to tune in to your own gut-brain connection? Try this for 7 days:

1. Add one gut-friendly food each day.

2. Journal after your meals: How do I feel physically and emotionally right now?

3. Notice patterns between what you eat and how you feel.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s about balance, calm, and vitality. When your gut is happy, your brain feels the difference.

Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll explore another hot wellness trend: sleepmaxxing — optimizing your rest for energy, clarity, and calm. And then in Week 3, we’ll bring it all together with a look at how gut health and sleep deeply influence each other.

💬 I’d love to know: What’s one gut-friendly food or ritual you already use to feel your best? Share it in the comments — your tip might inspire someone else’s healing journey.

Redirecting Your Energy

Today I want to bring you a short and sweet message—something I do often to
maintain balance. It’s a practice I rely on to shift my perspective, and I hope you find it as helpful as I have over the years.

Sometimes it feels like life keeps stacking the odds against us. We try to move forward, but one challenge after another pops up—like we’re forever playing catch-up, always behind the 8-ball. It’s exhausting.

And when that happens, it’s so easy to slip into frustration, anger, or self-doubt. We replay conversations, stew in negativity, or wonder why others seem to have it easier. But staying in that energy only keeps us stuck.

Here’s the shift: we may not control the circumstances, but we can redirect our perspective. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It means choosing not to let the negativity take root in us.

Imagine pivoting in the moment:

• From frustrated → fulfilled by looking for one thing you’ve already done well today.

• From angry → accepting by acknowledging, “I can’t change this piece, but I can choose my next step.”

• From stuck → compassionate by extending kindness to yourself first, and then to those around you.

And remember—you are not alone in this. Everyone carries their own struggles, though we may not always see them on the surface. We never know what battles someone else is fighting inside. So as much as you need to have compassion for yourself, extend that same compassion outward. If someone frustrates you, pause and consider that they may be going through something heavy too. Allow them grace.

Negativity will always exist—it’s part of being human. But rising above means standing in your truth, holding onto your peace, and choosing to lead with compassion. Each time you redirect, you take back your power. You move from reaction to intention. You remind yourself—and others—that kindness and perspective are choices available in every moment.

So today, ask yourself: Where can I pivot? Where can I soften, let go of the weight, and rise higher? 

The Power of Stillness

In years past, I would rush through every moment of my life, missing out on the most important parts. I remember my son Vinni once telling me to slow down—because he didn’t want me to wake up one morning and realize I had missed too much. That hit home. I was supposed to be teaching him, not the other way around. Why was he noticing what I was missing?

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Teachers come in all shapes and sizes, and luckily, I was humble enough to listen. That day changed my life. I won’t tell you I became perfect overnight—but I did begin shifting how I lived, and it started me on the path to where I am today. I appreciated that moment more than Vinni could ever know.

Every so often, I look back on it with deep gratitude. In fact, this past weekend in Saratoga Springs, I thought of him again as my husband and I carved out moments of stillness. In a local gift shop, I spotted a little something Vinni would enjoy and picked it up as a token of appreciation—my quiet acknowledgment that even the teacher is always still a student.

We live in a world that glorifies motion—fast schedules, endless lists, and the constant pull of technology. It’s no wonder our energy feels scattered. But here’s the secret I’ve been reminded of lately: sometimes the most powerful reset isn’t about sitting completely still for long stretches of time, but about carving out smaller micro-moments throughout the day—pauses where we allow ourselves to simply do less.

Stillness doesn’t always mean sitting cross-legged in meditation for an hour (though it can!). Or stepping away for a weekend, a week, or even a month. It can be as simple as turning off the noise for a few minutes and letting yourself just be. When I step into stillness—whether it’s closing my eyes for a few breaths, listening to the rhythm of my heartbeat, or sitting with a cup of tea without multitasking—something shifts. My thoughts slow down. My body softens. And suddenly, I notice the subtler things that usually get drowned out: the warmth of the sun on my face, the sound of the wind in the trees, the whisper of my own inner voice.

This kind of pause is more than rest—it’s nourishment. Research shows that intentional stillness lowers stress hormones, sharpens focus, and rebalances the nervous system. Beyond science, it simply feels like coming home. And paradoxically, by doing less for a few minutes, I find myself far more productive and intentional with the things that truly matter.

The best part? Stillness is available anywhere. You don’t have to hike deep into the forest or retreat to a spa to experience it. You can find it in your living room before the day begins, in the car before heading into work, or in that moment when you choose to put the phone down and notice your own breath.

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Try this: today, give yourself five minutes of stillness. No agenda. No goals. Just presence. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply. Breathe out slowly. Allow yourself to simply exist in the pause.

You might be surprised how powerful those few minutes can be. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to stop—just for a moment—and let stillness do its quiet work. And when you rise from that pause, notice how the newfound energy catapults you into more productivity, more fulfillment, and more wholeness.

Find solace in the stillness....
Be still,
Mary-Anne

Light at the End of the Tunnel: Rising Stronger from Seasons of Sadness

This morning, I found myself sitting on my porch, listening to the soft rhythm of the
rain on a quiet Sunday. The sky was heavy, the clouds unyielding, and yet I sat waiting—because I knew the sun would eventually break through. In that moment, I was reminded that life is much the same.

We all walk through tunnels at different points in our lives. They are those seasons that feel heavy, shadowed, and uncertain—the times when sadness lingers and hope feels far away. In the tunnel, it can seem endless. But here’s the truth: every tunnel has an exit, and every season of darkness eventually gives way to light.

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Seasons of Sadness

Life comes in seasons, and sadness is one of them. Just as winter eventually melts into spring, sadness too has its cycle. It is okay—necessary even—to sit with the sadness, to feel it, to acknowledge the weight of it. Pretending it isn’t there only prolongs the journey. But sadness was never meant to be a permanent home; it is a passageway.

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Guided and Surrounded

When we feel most alone, we are never truly alone. Angels, guides, and guardians surround us, lifting us when we stumble, guiding us when the path is unclear, and holding us when we feel too weary to keep walking. The good Lord above watches over every step, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, light is on the horizon.

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A Father’s Reminder

I was reminded of this truth today, when a dear friend shared a Father’s Day post (it is Father’s Day in Australia). It brought me back to my own father, who used to sing, “What a Difference a Day Makes,” and call me “Little One.” When life felt heavy, he would remind me, “When the skies seem their darkest is when the sun will always shine its brightest.”

Those words have stayed with me my entire life. They are a reminder that even when everything feels overwhelming, hope is already on its way. Sometimes, all it takes is holding on through the night to witness a brand-new dawn.

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Choosing to Emerge

The tunnel asks for courage. It asks us to keep moving forward, even when our eyes can’t yet see the exit. It asks us to trust the unseen support around us. And most importantly, it asks us to choose—to choose to rise again, to choose hope, to choose happiness even in the face of immense adversity.

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, we too have the opportunity to emerge from sadness renewed—wiser, stronger, and shining brighter than ever before.

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Drawn to the Light

Perhaps this is why I’ve always had such an obsession with sunlight—I absolutely love it. The sun recharges my very soul. No matter how many rainy days come, I know the sunshine is waiting, and when it pours over me, I feel whole again. Maybe you’ve felt that too—that deep sigh of relief and renewal when the light touches your skin. That’s what hope feels like. It’s always worth waiting for.

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Brighter Days Ahead

The tunnel will not last forever. Sadness is a season, not a destination. The sun will break through, and when it does, you will feel the warmth of joy again. Until then, hold on. Rest when you must. Trust that you are surrounded, supported, and deeply loved.

Because the light is coming. And when it shines, you will be radiant.

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🌿 Download My Reflection Corner Worksheet

You've got this!

Hold your head up high, and reach for the sunshine.

Be well,
Mary-Anne

The Rhythm of Nature: Why Unplugging Restores Balance

We’ve explored the rhythms within us—our circadian cycles, the ultradian focus and rest patterns, and the importance of our first hour in shaping the day. But balance isn’t only about what happens inside of us. It’s also about the environment we step into and the choices we make about how we spend our time.

This past weekend, I spent time with family and friends walking the trails of a quiet state forest. Being outdoors reminded me of something I often overlook: the healing power of nature. A simple walk can do wonders, but when you fully immerse yourself—where trees stretch overhead and stillness replaces noise—that’s where the deeper reset happens.

Out there, my phone had no signal. No notifications, no emails, no distractions. Just the sound of leaves underfoot, the warmth of a fire, and the joy of shared laughter.

For a few days, I was fully unplugged. And it felt like pressing reset on my mind, body, and spirit.

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Inner Rhythms, Outer Harmony

Our internal rhythms thrive when they align with the world around us. Constant digital noise can pull us out of sync, but nature helps us reconnect:

• Morning Light resets our circadian rhythm more powerfully than any alarm clock.

• Fresh Air & Movement restore energy during ultradian dips better than caffeine.

• Stillness & Presence ground us in a way screens never can.

When you step away from constant notifications, your nervous system finally exhales. You notice birdsong, the sway of trees, the rhythm of your own footsteps—simple cues that remind your body how to find balance.

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The Power of Unplugging

Spending time in nature is more than “getting away.” It’s choosing to let your body and mind settle into a natural flow. Research shows that even short breaks outdoors reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood.

Unplugging also strengthens connections—with yourself and with others. Around the campfire, conversations run deeper without the glow of screens competing for attention. Smiles, stories, and shared silence become the new notifications.

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Bringing Nature Home

Not everyone can spend a weekend in the woods, but you can weave unplugged moments into everyday life:

• Take a 10-minute walk without your phone.

• Designate the dinner table to be an electronic-free zone.

• Create a “digital sunset” ritual—put your phone away an hour before bed.

• Bring nature indoors with plants, natural light, or calming sounds.

These small pauses realign your inner rhythms with the outer environment, creating a harmony that supports balance and calm.

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Your Invitation

Where in your life could you unplug—even for a few minutes—and allow nature’s rhythm to restore you?

If you’re feeling frazzled, consider it a gentle nudge from your body to step outside, breathe deeply, and let the world remind you: balance lives in both your inner rhythm and the environment you choose to nurture.

Breathe deep and reset,

Be well,
Mary-Anne

The First Hour: How Your Morning Rhythm Shapes the Rest of Your Day

I used to roll out of bed and immediately jump into my to-do list. Email
notifications, a quick scroll through social media, maybe a reheated cup of coffee on the way out the door. By 10 a.m., I felt frazzled and behind — like my day was running me instead of the other way around.

Everything changed when I began paying attention to the first hour of my day. I realized it wasn’t just about what I was doing, but when. That first 60 minutes sets the tone for energy, focus, and balance — and when you align it with your body’s natural rhythm, the whole day flows differently.

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The Science Behind Morning Rhythms

The body’s internal clock — your circadian rhythm — triggers a natural surge of cortisol in the morning. This isn’t “stress hormone” cortisol (though it can be if mismanaged). This is your wake-up hormone, designed to give you alertness, clarity, and energy to start your day.

How you respond in that window matters:

• Natural light tells your brain it’s time to be awake, reinforcing your circadian clock.

• Hydration replenishes your system after hours without water.

• Movement wakes up your muscles, circulation, and metabolism.

• Mindfulness (like journaling or meditation) calms mental chatter and sets your emotional tone.

If we skip these cues and dive straight into stress (emails, news, rushing), we essentially “short-circuit” the benefits of this natural energy surge.

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Intentional Morning Practices

Here are some simple ways to honor your morning rhythm:

1. Soak in the Light – Step outside or sit near a bright window within the first 30 minutes of waking.

2. Hydrate Before Caffeine – A glass of water before coffee gives your body what it truly needs first.

3. Gentle Movement – Stretch, walk, or do a few minutes of mindful breathing to wake up your system.

4. Set Your Tone – Journal, meditate, or simply take a quiet pause before jumping into screens.

5. Nourish Early – A balanced breakfast fuels your cortisol peak and stabilizes energy.

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My Shift

When I started treating the first hour as sacred, I noticed a profound shift. I no longer felt like I was chasing the day — instead, I was leading it. My mind was clearer, my energy steadier, and even the busier days felt more manageable.

It wasn’t about a perfect morning routine. It was about listening to my body’s timing and aligning with it.

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The Takeaway

Your first hour is your body’s natural launchpad. Honor it, and you’ll notice the ripple effects — clearer focus, steadier energy, and a deeper sense of balance throughout your day.

The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few intentional choices each morning can shift everything.

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🌿 Free Guide: Morning Ritual Blueprint

I’ve created a simple Morning Ritual Blueprint to help you design a first-hour flow that feels good, not forced. It includes easy ideas, journaling prompts, and space to create a routine that supports your unique rhythm.

[Download Your Free Guide Here]

The Secret 90-Minute Rhythm Your Body Wants You to Follow

(Why working with your ultradian cycles can change everything)

Last time, we explored the ebb and flow of the circadian rhythm — our body’s 24-hour clock that shapes our sleep, energy, and focus.

But here’s a question… who here has ever heard of the ultradian rhythm?

I hadn’t either, until I started digging deeper into the science behind our body’s timing. What I found completely changed the way I work, rest, and recharge — and it might just change the way you structure your day too.

There was a time when I thought productivity meant pushing through. I’d sit at my desk for hours, convinced that the longer I stayed there, the more I’d accomplish. Coffee became my constant companion, and “breaks” were just trips to the kitchen for more coffee - or the bathroom!  LOL

But here’s what really happened: the longer I worked without stopping, the foggier my brain became. My focus frayed, my shoulders tensed, and by mid-afternoon, I was running on fumes.

Then I learned about something called ultradian rhythms — and suddenly, my dips in focus and energy made perfect sense.

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What Are Ultradian Rhythms?

You’ve already heard of circadian rhythms — your body’s 24-hour clock. But within that big daily cycle are smaller waves called ultradian rhythms.

These are natural biological cycles that run about 90–120 minutes. During that time, your body moves from a state of high alertness and focus into a period of rest and recovery — and then back again.

Think of them like the ocean’s waves: each one rises, peaks, and gently rolls back before the next one begins.

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The Natural Wave Pattern

Here’s how a typical ultradian cycle flows:

• First 90 minutes: Energy rises. Your brain is in peak performance mode. This is when you feel clear, focused, and able to take on your most challenging tasks.
• Next 20 minutes: Energy dips. Your body signals it’s time to recharge — maybe you yawn, fidget, feel hungry, or suddenly find yourself distracted.

These cycles repeat 4–6 times a day, creating natural “work–rest” rhythms inside your waking hours.

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Signs You’re Out of Sync

I used to think I could outsmart my dips with caffeine or sheer willpower — but when you override your ultradian rhythm, your body keeps the score.
Signs you might be ignoring your natural cycles:

• You zone out mid-task.
• Irritability or brain fog sets in after long stretches without breaks.
• You reach for sugar or caffeine to push through.
• Physical tension builds up from sitting too long.

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How to Work With Your Ultradian Rhythms

When I started honoring these micro-cycles, my days transformed. Here’s how you can, too:

1. Focus in Sprints – Schedule 90-minute work blocks for your most important or creative work.
2. Rest Intentionally – Take a 10–20 minute break afterward. Stretch, hydrate, breathe, step outside, or even close your eyes.
3. Listen to Your Signals – Fidgeting, daydreaming, or craving snacks are signs you’ve hit the “rest” phase.
4. Avoid Pushing Through – Skipping breaks may work short-term but over time increases stress hormones and drains your energy reserves.

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My Shift

Once I began following this rhythm, I was amazed:

• My focus was sharper without forcing it.
• My energy stayed steady from morning to night.
• Creative ideas flowed more easily.
• I ended my workdays without feeling wrung out.
• Plus...  I felt less resentful, and no longer felt overworked.

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The Takeaway

Your productivity, creativity, and health aren’t just about how much time you spend working — but when and how you use it, and of course how you choose the time you rest in between tasks.  

By honoring your ultradian rhythms, you tap into your body’s natural rise-and-fall pattern, moving with the current instead of against it.

The result? Less grind, more flow… and a daily rhythm that feels like a dance you actually want to join.

Embrace the flow...  Download your 90-Minute Flow Daily Planner HERE.

Be well,
Mary-Anne