170: The Truth About Venting, Numbing, and Finding Real Relief - Science-Backed Tools to Actually Restore Your Brain and Body

The Best of You

Dr. Alison Cook

Mental Health, Health & Fitness

4.9 • 959 Ratings

🗓️ 7 August 2025

⏱️ 47 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What if what keeps you going is also keeping you stuck? Does venting actually help, or is it actually making you feel worse? This powerful, hope-filled conversation might just change your entire approach to rest—it did for me. Cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Therese Huston joins me for a conversation that’s incredibly helpful for anyone feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in numbing patterns. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is a game-changer. If you’ve been feeling off-center, burned out, or unsure how to truly rest, this episode will meet you with both compassion and science-backed tools to help you reset—even when you don’t have much time. We cover: The surprising truth about venting—and why it may not be helping Why certain “breaks” leave you more drained How to reset your brain in less than five minutes (yes, really) Simple, science-backed techniques to calm your nervous system Why numbing behaviors (like mindless snacking, scrolling, or binging TV) can feel good—but keep you stuck Two powerful on-air practices you can do right along with us This is not about productivity hacks. It’s about reclaiming your peace and tending to your soul—so you can show up as the person you want to be, no matter what your day looks like. 📘 Check out Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science by Dr. Therese Huston 📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here: 📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email. Here are some other episodes you might like : Episode 132 : 3 Strategies for Managing Overwhelm and Emotional Stress in the Sandwich Generation Episode 80: Navigating Overwhelming Emotions Episode 146: The Difference Between Escape & Relief with Annie F. Downs 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here 💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Better sleep starts today! Get a birch mattress and test it out for 100 nights risk-free PLUS a discount for being a listener by visiting birchliving.com/BESTOFYOU. If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com. Give online therapy a try and see how it can help you become more present, more aware, and more connected to the life you want to live. Visit BetterHelp.com/BESTOFYOU. Check out cozyearth.com and use code BESTOFYOU to get 45% off. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter, and embrace your cozy days with Cozy Earth. Editing by Giulia Hjort Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik Music by Andy Luiten While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.5	These days, it can feel like there's a wellness trend for everything.
0:03.7	Cold plunges, scream detoxes, gratitude rituals.
0:06.8	I can feel so overwhelmed trying to sort through it all.
0:09.5	What's actually helpful and what's just noise.
0:13.1	In the midst of all that advice,
0:14.6	sometimes the best thing you can do is talk to someone who's trained to help you,
0:18.5	not a million people online.
0:20.1	I know how valuable it is to have someone who's paying attention to you, not a million people online. I know how valuable it is to have
0:22.1	someone who's paying attention to your specific situation and needs. There's no such thing as one-size
0:26.6	fits all when it comes to healing. Therapy can give you real tools on how to set boundaries, how to
0:31.8	navigate anxiety or burnout, and how to become more of who you're meant to be. And it's not just for
0:36.6	crisis moments, it's for growth, healing, and living more fully.
0:40.6	As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise.
0:48.2	Talk it out with BetterHelp.
0:49.9	Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com slash best of you.
0:54.8	That's betterhelp, help.com slash best of you.
1:03.4	Hey, everyone.
1:04.7	I'm Dr. Allison, and I'm so glad you're here to discover what brings out the best of you.
1:10.2	This podcast is all about breaking
1:12.5	free from painful patterns, mending the past, and discovering our true selves in God. I can't wait
1:18.8	to get started as we learn together how to become the best version of who we are with God's help.
1:27.3	Hey, everyone, and welcome back to this week's episode of The Best of You.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Dr. Alison Cook, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Dr. Alison Cook and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.