From Pressure to Respite: Redefining Self-Care and Resolutions

Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank

Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank

In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we’re rethinking the way we approach resolutions and self-care. Instead of seeing them as tasks or pressures, what if we reframed them as opportunities for respite—a chance to pause, renew, and reconnect with ourselves? Inspired by a recent personal mindshift, we’ll explore how this subtle change can transform not only how we think about self-care but also how it supports trauma recovery, mental health, and overall well-being.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why traditional resolutions often fail and leave us feeling defeated.


• The psychology behind shifting from pressure to respite and how it supports healing and emotional regulation.


• How viewing self-care as respite can reduce stress, foster self-compassion, and rewire the brain for positive habits.


• Practical steps to redefine activities like going to the gym, journaling, or cooking as opportunities for renewal and joy.


• Reflective questions to help you invite more ease and joy into your resolutions and daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• Respite is a mindset that takes the pressure off self-care, making it sustainable and nurturing.


• This mindshift is rooted in evidence-based psychology, including stress reduction, neuroplasticity, and self-compassion.


• By choosing respite over pressure, you can create resolutions that feel more like invitations than obligations.

Reflective Questions:

1. What’s one area of your life where you feel pressure? How can you reframe it as an opportunity for respite?


2. What would your self-care look like if it wasn’t about achieving but simply about being?


3. How can you invite more joy and ease into your resolutions this year?

And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!

In Love and Healing,

Dr. Deb

To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:

Website - Dr. Deb Lindh

Website - PTSDandBeyond

X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh

X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond

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