In this episode of Wired for Well-Being, Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein explores how nervous-system patterns—like obsessive looping or compulsive behaviors—can take hold when we’re dysregulated. He explains how these patterns often reflect flight energy in the body and how practices like gentle touch and mindful breathing can help restore calm. Jeffrey also discusses the difference between explicit and implicit memory, revealing how “body memories” can shape our reactions. By understanding and befriending these patterns, we can find greater regulation, presence, and peace.

In this episode of Wired for Well-Being, Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein explores the theme of discernment: knowing when to share family stories of trauma, and how to recognize whether the signals from your nervous system are pointing to the past or the present moment. Relationships, healing, and even daily responsibilities can feel confusing when old wounds echo in our bodies, but discernment helps us find clarity and a path forward. Through two powerful listener questions, Jeffrey unpacks the impact of intergenerational trauma and the subtle cues of dread or responsibility that can shape our daily lives. You’ll learn: How to discern whether it’s the right time—and the right motivation—to share difficult family history. Why intergenerational trauma impacts nervous systems across generations, and how awareness can be liberating. How to recognize the difference between everyday stress and deeper, inherited patterns of dread. Practical ways to stay curious and compassionate toward your own nervous system signals. By learning to listen closely and discern wisely, you can begin to break cycles of suffering, honor your own healing, and create safer, more connected relationships. Do you have a question you'd like to ask? If so, leave a voicemail at 866-357-5156.  If you're unable to reach that number, you can record a voice memo and email it to hello@drjeffreyrutstein.com.  To learn more and receive a free gift, visit: drjeffreyrutstein.com/links

In this episode of Wired for Well-Being, Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein explores how to hold both acceptance and change when living with chronic illness or the aftermath of trauma. So often, we feel caught between two extremes—resisting what is or pushing ourselves to change too quickly. But what if there’s a third way: partnering with your nervous system in compassion and curiosity? Through listener questions, Jeffrey addresses two powerful themes. The first caller shares the struggle of accepting the limitations of chronic illness without giving up on growth. Jeffrey reframes acceptance not as resignation, but as a way to release self-judgment and create the conditions for meaningful, sustainable change. The second caller asks about the role of anger in healing. Instead of treating anger as something to burn through or suppress, Jeffrey shows how it can be understood as a message from the nervous system—one that points to deeper hurts, disappointments, or experiences of unfairness. When approached with compassion, anger can soften and become a doorway to regulation, connection, and healthier relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to accept what is without giving up on growth and change. Why self-judgment and shame can deepen suffering—and how to shift toward compassion. Practical ways to listen to your nervous system and work with its signals. How to navigate anger as information and transform it into a tool for connection. Why real healing often requires befriending your nervous system instead of battling it. This episode is an invitation to stop fighting yourself and discover how acceptance, compassion, and curiosity can unlock new pathways to healing. Do you have a question you'd like to ask? If so, leave a voicemail at 866-357-5156.  If you're unable to reach that number, you can record a voice memo and email it to hello@drjeffreyrutstein.com.  To learn more and receive a free gift, visit: drjeffreyrutstein.com/links

This episode examines how our nervous system shapes emotions, choices, and healing, and explores the balance between guiding our states and listening to them. Jeffrey answers a question about top-down versus bottom-up processing, showing how curiosity and awareness can shift us out of fear, anger, or shutdown into regulation and choice. He also responds to a caller navigating fear and overwhelm during a healing journey, reframing these states as messages from the nervous system that can guide more compassionate self-care and sustainable routines.

This episode explores how our nervous system shapes our relationships—both when leaving a harmful one and when seeking new, healthier connections. Jeffrey answers a question about healing after a relationship with a narcissist, offering guidance on self-care, body awareness, and rebuilding self-trust. He also responds to a caller navigating sobriety, loneliness, and authenticity, highlighting how tuning into nervous system signals can guide us toward safe, mutual, and reciprocal relationships

Wired for Well-Being is a new weekly podcast with Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein, designed to help you unlock the healing power of your own nervous system. Each week, Dr. Rutstein answers real questions and shares simple, life-changing tools so you can shift from stress to ease, and from disconnection to lasting well-being.