The aligned life podcast: Episode 2
Why meditation fails when you’re most stressed (and what actually helps)
This, the newest episode of the Aligned Life podcast is a simple “bottom-up” reset to calm your body first—so your mind can follow.
Hi there!
Ever been told to “just meditate”… when your brain is doing cartwheels?
Same. When stress is high, “top-down” tools (think: meditation, reframing, CBT) can feel impossible.
In today’s new episode of The Aligned Life, we flip the script:
The Stress Reset: Calm Your Body Before Your Mind
Martin and Kieran break down a bottom-up approach with simple body-led tactics that signal safety to your nervous system so your mind finally has space to exhale.
In 25 minutes, you’ll learn:
Why top-down tools fail when you’re overloaded (it’s not your fault - your frontal cortex is offline)!
The walk + breath combo we use to lower physiological arousal in minutes.
A 60-second posture reset that breaks the “shoulders-up, jaw-tight” loop.
When HIIT exercise can help and when it secretly fuels burnout.
How chiropractic adjustments may support nervous system adaptability (hello HRV!).
PLUS, as usual, Martin and Kieran discuss their local picks of the week, Halcyon Days and Italian Artisans in Albert Park because life’s more than stress!
Coming up: don’t forget The Stress Reset Challenge
We’re launching a 5-day, 5–20 min/day challenge to help you test what works in real life—walking, breathwork, micro-breaks, posture, and more. It’s open to everyone, not just patients. Details in the next episode.
To more calm days,
Dr Martin Harvey & Dr Kieran Whelan
P.S. Got a question for the show? Reply with “Podcast Q:” in the subject and we’ll queue it up. If this episode helps, hit reply and tell us what landed—or share it with a friend who needs a reset.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to your new favorite podcasts!