Mastering Stress Fluency: Chantal Donnelly on Nervous System Healing | ANEW Ep 13

Send us a text

In this transformative episode of the ANEW  Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar sits down with Chantal Donnelly, physical therapist, nervous system expert, and best-selling author of Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World. From her early career as an actress to becoming a trailblazer in holistic physical therapy, Chantal’s journey is a powerful example of how listening to the body can unlock deep healing.

Chantal shares how chronic jaw pain and high-pressure performance environments pushed her to explore the mind-body connection—well before it was a mainstream concept. Her path led her to launch Body Insight, a company rooted in helping clients decode their physical responses to stress and rebuild nervous system resilience.

This episode introduces listeners to two core concepts from Chantal’s approach:
 🧠 Stress fluency—the ability to understand and regulate the biological mechanisms of stress
💪 Body fluency—the skill of tuning into bodily signals to guide emotional and physical recovery

Chantal explains how stress isn’t just psychological—it lives in the body, especially when ignored. She walks us through science-backed strategies from her book that teach the body how to recover from overwhelm, including:

• Nervous system-aware breathing exercises
• Mindful movement and posture alignment
• Somatic tools to prevent stress from turning into chronic pain
• Gentle practices to support perimenopausal transitions

What makes this conversation especially powerful is Chantal’s vulnerability. She opens up about her personal battles with stress-related neck pain, burnout, and hormonal shifts—bringing a relatable, compassionate voice to a clinical conversation.

Whether you're a health professional, someone living with chronic stress, or simply looking for practical tools to reconnect with your body, this episode offers a clear, calming roadmap. Discover how to build physical and emotional resilience through body awareness—and begin your journey to a calmer, more settled life.

🎧 Tune in now and start speaking your body’s language.
💻 Learn more about the book and her work at bodyinsight.com

For those dealing with stress, chronic pain, or the pressures of daily life, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to take charge of your health. Chantal’s holistic approach, grounded in both science and personal experience, provides a refreshing perspective on wellness.

#stressreliefpodcast #bodyinsight #anewinsight #nervoussystemhealing #mindbodytools #holistichealth #drsupatratovar #chantaldonnelly #settledbook #stressfluency #bodyawareness #burnoutrecovery #chronicpainhelp #perimenopausehealth #wellnesstools

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!