They’re often overwhelmed, exhausted, and in survival mode. And while they’re seeking strategies or steps to feel better (which is understandable), I offer something that might sound simple, but is profoundly rooted in neuroscience:

“You need to create the conditions — and then your body and brain will do the healing.”

Let me explain.

A boy who grows up in a chaotic or unsafe environment might quickly learn that showing pain or needing comfort makes him a target. So he adapts. He becomes hard. He stops crying. He acts out with anger instead of sadness. He might bully others to avoid being the one who gets bullied. He might lash out to feel some sense of power in a world where he otherwise feels powerless.

This isn’t because he’s “bad.” It’s because, on some level, being hypermasculine feels safer than being a victim.

“Boys who are exposed to trauma often internalize rigid beliefs about masculinity as a way to regain control and feel emotionally protected”
— Dr. Niobe Way, Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection (2011)

It’s a form of emotional armor — but like all armor, it’s heavy, and it limits connection.

Bondi Junction: One Year On: Trauma, Grief, and the Quiet Work of Healing.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum that’s characterized by an intense, anxiety-driven avoidance of everyday demands. But unlike deliberate defiance, the avoidance in PDA is rooted in a need to feel safe and in control — not a desire to challenge authority or misbehave.

Navigating the educational journey for students who have experienced trauma requires a nuanced approach that considers the neurobiological impact of their experiences. By integrating strategies rooted in relationship-building, positive physical spaces, emotional self-mastery, and positive primers like brain breaks, educators can leverage neurobiology to foster healing and a sense of safety for these students.

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, many of us find ourselves juggling various responsibilities, striving for perfection, and constantly pushing our limits to achieve professional success. Whilst caring about your work and being dedicated are valuable traits, they can also lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of self-care. This is where self-compassion at work comes into play. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of self-compassion and how it can transform how you feel about yourself and your working life.

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