In this short and powerful episode of Healing Is My Hobby, licensed clinical social worker Jessica Colarco explores the fine line between stress and burnout — and how to recognize the moment when “too much” becomes “not enough.” Through gentle reflection and grounding affirmations, Jessica reminds listeners that healing starts with awareness and self-compassion.

This mindful mini-episode invites you to pause, breathe, and check in with your body’s signals before they become shouts for help.

• The key differences between stress and burnout
• Early signs that your nervous system is overwhelmed
• How to recognize your body’s signals before you crash
• Gentle affirmations to help you pause without guilt
• Why healing is about pausing to recharge, not doing less forever

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How can a single mindful breath shift your entire day?

In this episode of Healing is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco explores the theme of stress and healing through a guided check-in and breathing exercises. She emphasizes the importance of being present and taking micro moments for self-care, reminding listeners that healing can happen anywhere and that every small act of kindness towards oneself is significant. The episode concludes with a call to practice self-awareness and share personal grounding rituals.

Key Takeaways:

• The hardest part of healing is just showing up.
• Creating a moment of pause is essential for healing.
• Trust your stress level without judgment.
• Healing can start in any environment.
• Micro moments of stillness contribute to overall well-being.
• Self-care doesn't require perfect conditions.
• Every breath and pause is an investment in healing.
• You are not behind in your healing journey.
• Practicing presence retrains your nervous system.
• Daily practices help you come home to yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing and Stress Awareness

00:40 Guided Check-In and Breathing Exercises

03:24 The Importance of Micro Moments in Healing

05:09 Conclusion and Daily Practices for Healing

05:28 NEWCHAPTER

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobby

stress, healing, mindfulness, self-care, breathing exercises, mental health, awareness, presence, nervous system, relaxation

Jessica reflects on a month of experimenting with stress-reduction tools. By journaling daily stress levels and practicing box breathing and the 4-7-8 technique, she shares why stress isn’t something you “fix,” it’s something you tend—day by day. The big takeaway: consistency > perfection.

• Stress care is ongoing tending, not a one-time fix.
• Micro-practices work: even 5 minutes can reset your day.
• Keep experimenting; consistency beats perfection.

• Box Breathing (4x4x4x4): Inhale 4 • Hold 4 • Exhale 4 • Hold 4 (repeat 3–5 rounds).
• 4-7-8 Breath (for sleep): Inhale 4 • Hold 7 • Exhale 8 (repeat up to 4 rounds).

Chapters:

00:00 — Welcome & Context

October theme recap and why this reflection episode matters.

00:20 — What the Data Said

Daily journaling + 1–10 stress ratings; noticing spikes without obvious triggers.

01:05 — Mindset Shift

“Stress isn’t something we fix—it’s something we tend.”

01:35 — Tools That Helped

Box breathing for shoulder tension resets; 4-7-8 for falling asleep.

02:20 — Consistency > Perfection

Five minutes of presence can change the day.

02:45 — Reflection Prompt for You

“What’s one experiment that helped you stress a little less this month?”

03:05 — Stay Connected & Next Steps

Share your experiment; newsletter invite; how to reach Jessica.

Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.

Contact Jessica here.

Let's connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobby