Let's Talk Wellness with Shal
A podcast that discusses wellness as a multidimensional concept that involves all facets of life, designed to empower you to lead a wholesome wellness journey. Hosted by Shalini Thyagaraja (Shal), a certified yoga meditation instructor, IIN health coach, Reiki Healer, wellness junkie, and a seasoned tech professional with a vision of leaving this world better than she found it!
This podcast covers topics ranging from mindful living, yoga, meditation, stress management, art as therapy, finding balance - work and wellness, nutrition and much more. Regardless of your current phase in the journey of life, you will find value in the stories and discussions with a focus on integrating diverse approaches to create a harmonious life. I weave stories of my own journey and interview global practitioners to empower each of you with holistic wellness awareness.
Don’t miss out on these insightful discussions. Follow the Let’s Talk Wellness podcast for your regular dose of inspiration and follow me on https://linktr.ee/shalinithyagaraja for more. Your journey to holistic well-being begins here!
Let's Talk Wellness with Shal
EP43: Vagus Nerve & Anxiety | Nervous System Regulation & Healing
Anxiety and chronic stress aren’t just mental; they’re rooted in your nervous system. In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Abha Rajbhandari explains how the vagus nerve, brain–body connection, and nervous system regulation shape anxiety, healing, and wellbeing.
In Episode 43 of Let’s Talk Wellness with Shal, I’m joined by Dr. Abha Rajbhandari, neuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With research expertise in fear, stress, anxiety, and the vagus nerve, Dr. Rajbhandari bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient wisdom rooted in Yoga and Vedanta to explore holistic healing.
We explore how the brain and body communicate during stress and how this understanding can transform mental health, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing.
This conversation will deepen your understanding of anxiety, trauma, and mind-body healing through both science and spirituality.
In this episode, we discuss:
• How the brain–body connection shapes stress, anxiety, and healing
• What the vagus nerve actually does and why it’s central to nervous system regulation
• Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic balance and its impact on burnout and chronic stress
• The neuroscience of fear, trauma, and how fear is stored and healed
• How neuroscience and spirituality intersect in mental health and wellbeing
• Yoga beyond the mat: applying yogic principles to everyday emotional health
• Simple, science-backed tools to regulate the nervous system and improve mental wellbeing
Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, trauma, or seeking evidence-based tools for nervous system regulation and holistic mental health—this episode is for you.
🎧 Watch & Listen: YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts - Let’s Talk Wellness with Shal, Instagram: @mindspacewithshal, @letstalkwellnesswithshal
Website: www.mindspacejourney.org
More about Dr. Abha Rajbhandari: Instagram: @neurobreathe, https://www.neurochetana.com/
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