Brooke welcomes licensed professional counselor Christopher O’Riley to unpack how mindfulness helps a chronically stressed nervous system, and why ten minutes can truly change your day. Christopher shares his path from a chaotic adolescence into a daily practice that ended substance use before age 20, then led to clinical training and decades in addiction and trauma care. Together they talk about the parasympathetic “breather” mindfulness provides, doomscrolling that looks like rest but isn’t, and simple ways to weave presence into drives, dog walks, and dishes. The conversation also explores generational patterns, why many with addiction histories carry unresolved trauma, and how formal practice makes informal presence easier. Christopher closes with details on his live, six-week online mindfulness groups beginning in January, plus encouragement for anyone who wants to begin again with something small today. We explore:What chronic stress looks like today, why doomscrolling isn’t recovery time, and how mindfulness helps the body shift out of fight-or-flight. Christopher’s story, discovering mindfulness at 19, and the life that followed. The “ten minutes a day” research note and building a habit that sticks. Formal vs informal practice, with everyday anchors like breath, walking, showering, and coffee. Trauma, addiction, and why feeling safe in relationships is central to recovery. Email Us:[email protected] & More:https://www.traumauncensored.com/Be a guest:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehrpjtHptufyUPxEp6K-qkedpWOkGsKR5Hdj5Qh9zRes7COA/viewformNewsletter:https://mailchi.mp/traumauncensored/episode-releasesInstagram: @traumauncensoredTikTok: @trauma.uncensoredYouTube: @traumauncensoredFacebook: @traumauncensoredpodcastRemedy Counseling & Wellness:www.remedycw.comMindfulness Groups:https://www.remedycw.com/mindfulness-groupsContent Disclaimer:This episode includes discussion of addiction, childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, compulsive phone use, and recovery practices including mindfulness and meditation. If you are struggling or worried about someone, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support, 24/7.

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