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Episode Summary
IIn this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I sit down with Jessica Fishburn, a pelvic health and pain physiotherapist, and a fellow rural woman.
Jessica is an experienced Pelvic Health & Pain Physiotherapist with a fierce passion in population education. Leading with compassion and humility, Jessica is committed to changing the experience of health and wellbeing for rural women. Together with her business partners, Jessica is a Director of Gen Health Hamilton and Pro Feet Footwear Hamilton, a combined allied health clinic and a specialist podiatry shoe store respectively.
Professionally, Jessica strives to achieve the best outcomes for each individual despite rural isolation, using the latest evidence, technology and networks. As an advocate for women's health literacy, Jessica thoroughly enjoys her presenting roles at events, forums, conferences and universities.
Personally, Jessica is committed to lifelong learning and development. She strives to challenge the status quo, to be challenged to be the best leader she can be. Jessica endeavour's to think global and act local. Outside of her working roles, Jess is a mum, a wife, a volunteer, a board chair, a hiker, a veggie gardener, an ocean swimmer and the occasional salsa dancer
Today we talk about a topic that’s often overlooked but incredibly important for our well-being: the nervous system and how it impacts our emotions and health. Jessica shares her expertise in a way that’s not only practical but incredibly relatable for us farm wives and mums navigating the busy, often chaotic, rhythms of rural life.
We dive deep into how our nervous system plays a key role in how we manage stress and emotional health, especially when life on the farm feels like it’s constantly pulling us in a million different directions. Jessica shares easy, actionable ways to help balance our nervous system and reduce stress through simple daily practices, which can make a huge difference in how we feel and respond to life’s challenges.
We also dive into pelvic health and talk about some staggering figures around the number of women who suffer from pelvic health issues each year. It’s a topic that can be uncomfortable to talk about and often hard to find the right help. Jessica offers some great tips around finding the right health professional and tips for communicating what you’re experiencing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
Understanding the Nervous System: Jessica breaks down the two sides of our nervous system—sympathetic (the "fight or flight" response) and parasympathetic (the "rest and digest" state)—and explains how many of us, particularly in rural settings, end up stuck in "fight or flight" mode. This can lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. We talk about why this happens and how we can shift our bodies back to a more balanced state.
Key Neurotransmitters for Well-Being: We explore the science behind the brain chemicals that regulate mood and well-being, like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. Jessica offers simple ways to boost these neurotransmitters naturally, such as soaking up some sunshine, hugging loved ones, or even enjoying a piece of dark chocolate. These small, easy actions can have a significant impact on how we feel.
Achieving Flow State: Jessica introduces the concept of "flow," a mental state where you’re so immersed in an activity that you lose track of time. We talk about how finding flow, whether it’s through creative work, exercise, or just a task on the farm, can be a powerful way to reset your mood and boost your resilience. She shares how even small moments of flow can help you feel more balanced and energized.
Practical Tips for Daily Contentment: Stress can easily overwhelm us when we’re juggling multiple roles, so Jessica shares practical tips for incorporating balance into our daily routines. We discuss how breathwork exercises, creating a simple structure in your day, and practicing mindfulness—even for just a few minutes—can go a long way in helping us feel grounded and more content.
Pelvic Health Awareness: As a pelvic health expert, Jessica emphasizes the often-neglected topic of pelvic health. She talks about how issues like pelvic floor dysfunction or incontinence are more common than many women realize, especially after childbirth. Jessica explains why it’s important to seek help when you notice any discomfort or dysfunction in this area, and offers some helpful insights on how to keep your pelvic health in check.
Whether you're running a farm, raising children, or managing a busy household, Jessica’s insights provide a refreshing, practical approach to taking care of your nervous system, your emotional health, and your pelvic health. By incorporating even a few of these tips into your day, you can create more balance and contentment, no matter what life throws your way.
RESOURCES AND LINKS:
CONNECT WITH JESS:
Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife
Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au
CONNECT WITH Jessica:
Follow her at @jessica.fishberg or @genhealthhamilton
Check out her website
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